Korea to provide $ 6 m for resilience building against recurrent natural shocks

• Initiative to support climate adaptation and diversification of livelihoods for vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka 

Taking a step forward in the attempt to contribute to the betterment of the vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) signed an agreement on 19 June with the Ministry of National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement and Rehabilitation, Northern Province Development and Youth Affaires to implement the project ‘Resilience Building Against Recurrent Natural Shocks Through Climate Adaptation and Diversification of Livelihoods for Vulnerable Communities in Sri Lanka’. 

The Government of Sri Lanka will be given a grant worth $ 6 million for the project from 2019 2022. The agreement was signed at the Ministry in duplicate by Secretary V. Sivagnanasothy and KOICA Sri Lanka Office Country Director Kang Youn Hwa. 

Sivagnanasothy, in his opening remarks, expressed his gratitude towards KOICA for their continued cooperation towards Sri Lanka and he emphasised the importance of the project. Hwa remarked that KOICA was highly enthusiastic about this collaboration between the Ministry and KOICA for the project and noted that empowering the more vulnerable communities would help greatly towards the country’s economic growth. 

The event was also attended by World Food Programme Country Director Brenda Barton, who is seeking to cooperate with KOICA during project implementation. 

The project will enable the vulnerable communities in Batticaloa, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Matale and Monaragala Districts to benefit by means of better access to water in dry months, increased household incomes and strengthened community-based organisations. 

The project will rehabilitate selected minor reservoirs and anicuts in the above-mentioned areas and will establish water harvesting facilities for households such as Agro wells and Farm Ponds. It will also provide training to the most vulnerable households and will aid in conducting diversified income generation activities. 

In addition to that, the project will also provide technical training to farmers and help establish market access to the farmers. The project also will contribute to establish a functioning information management system for water management and early warning at local level and will provide training to the Government staff. 

KOICA expects to reach out to the most vulnerable communities in Sri Lanka and leave no one behind in the country’s progress forward.