NGOs and INGOs to help B'caloa tsunami livelihood development projects

Local NGOs and INGOs have launched several livelihood development projects in the tsunami affected areas in the Batticaloa district. According to the Reconstruction and Development Agency (RADA) sources, all projects would need over Rs. 500 million for implementation.

The Government launched the Batticaloa Divisional Livelihood Development Plan (DLDP) to uplift the living conditions of the tsunami-affected community.

The program covers Eraurpattu, Kaluwanchikudy, Kattankudy, Koralaipattu, Koralaipattu North and South, Manamunai North and Manamunaipattu Divisional Secretariat areas of the Batticaloa district.

The Reconstruction and Development Agency (RADA), Divisional Secretary of the Batticaloa District and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have identified over 600 local community based projects and sectoral projects in the tsunami affected divisions.

RADA Livelihood Director, Kausal Rajapaksa said these projects were identified with the involvement of communities, stakeholders and the government agents. The RADA and the ILO conducted workshops and focal group discussions with all stakeholders and analysed and updated information at district and national level.

According to Rajapaksa, around 13 NGOs and INGOs have selected a number of social, economic and infrastructure development projects to be carried out among those affected. "Discussions were held with the ILO and the RADA to fund these projects, he said. "Each Divisional Secretariat area has 15 projects identified by the affected community, civil organisations and other interested parties, he said.

According to Government sources over 80 percent of the fishing sector was badly damaged and over 10,000 livelihoods were affected by the tsunami.

Over 5,000 families were affected and nearly 2,000 families displaced. "We lost 313 people and another 17,595 were affected, said Government Agent Batticaloa District C. Punyamoorthi.