Australia grants Rs. 27m for community-based development projects
Tuesday, 1 July 2014 01:18
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The High Commission of Australia in Colombo has granted Rs 27 million to support 13 community-based projects across Sri Lanka, implemented by 12 organizations.
Acting Australian High Commissioner, Sonya Koppe, handed over the checks to community based organizations implementing the small scale development projects in the island, national news agency Lankapuvath reported.
The grants were provided under the Australian government’s annual small grant funding program Direct Aid Program (DAP).
The DAP grants are available on a not-for-profit basis to individuals, community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities to provide immediate relief for marginalized communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Acting High Commissioner Koppe said the aim of the Direct Aid Program is to advance developmental objectives and address humanitarian hardship where it is needed most.
“Over the years we have supported hundreds of projects in Sri Lanka, transforming the lives of under-privileged people. Australia takes pride in the Direct Aid Program as it allows us to provide direct benefits to community groups doing important work at the grassroots level,” she said.
Grants were awarded to, among others, projects for improving educational facilities for plantation sector, vocational training for women, post-war recovery activities, livelihood development, and improving health conditions and sanitation facilities.
