Support for 93 conflict affected enterprises in Mannar

FCCISL - BPI in its endeavour to rehabilitate conflict affected enterprises extended support to another 93 enterprises and livelihoods in the district of Mannar to the value of Rs.4.5 million with the partnership of the Mannar District Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Agriculture.

Earlier BPI provided commodities and working capital to 113 enterprises and livelihoods in Batticaloa and Kalmunai to the value of Rs.3.2 million and 109 beneficiaries in Trincomalee district valued at Rs.3.9 million bringing the total supported so far to 315 beneficiaries valued at Rs.11.6 million.

BPI is the conflict affected enterprise rehabilitation component of the World Award winning Back to Business Project and is funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Colombo.

BPI attempts to enhance the leadership and participation of the business sector in the peace building efforts in the country.

The main objectives of the enterprise rehabilitation component are to reorganise and rebuild 1,200 conflict affected Micro enterprises and livelihoods and create over 2000 new employment/re-employment opportunities.

Only those who have been directly affected by conflict and or disturbances since August 2004 were considered. No applications were entertained from indirectly affected and or unaffected enterprises/entrepreneur/livelihoods. Enterprises/livelihoods affected by war which do not want to be in the same business were encouraged to start a new business under the guidance of the respective Chambers.

The majority of the beneficiaries of Mannar were from Vankalai and the Pesalai areas engaged in fishing and related processing, specifically dry fish processing. Among them were 68 micro enterprises and 25 livelihoods. Items handed over included 100/50 kg hanging scales, Double dial weighing scales, plastic barrels, plastic crates, cane baskets, insulated fibreglass fishing boxes and coir sacks.

Soosaithasan Kulas, a beneficiary from Vankalai said that many organisations came to help; they recorded all the details but no one provided any assistance. He thanked the FCCISL and the Mannar Chamber for helping them. He said they are really encouraged by this gesture which will help them to build back their business.

Many others who were affected need assistance and called upon the Chambers to support them too.

Anton Francis, a beneficiary of Pesalai said that all of them have benefited immensely from the training provided and such knowledge would help them to manage their businesses better. He proposed that restrictions on night fishing be lifted has it has brought them much hardships and called upon FCCISL-BPI to take up the issue with the relevant authorities.