Japan provides Rs. 7.3 million for development projects

Japan extended Rs. 7.3 million for two rural development projects in the Moneragala and Hambantota districts, a media release from the Embassy of Japan said.

The Government of Japan has provided US$ 68,072 (Rs. 7.3 million) grant aid for two rural development projects in the Moneragala and Hambantota districts under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project.

The first, the Project for Constructing Tube Wells at the Arid Zone in Buttala, Moneragala district, will help construct five tube wells in Unawatuna, Buttala Divisional Secretary division in the Moneragala district.

A sum of Rs. 2.3 million is allocated to the project through Dimuthu Community Development. This project will support improve the living conditions and livelihood of the targeted communities and benefit 25 families directly and 400 families indirectly.

The second, the Project for Constructing of Pre-schools at Tsunami and Poverty Affected Communities in the Hambantota district will support the construction of five pre-schools in Ambalantota and Tangalle Divisional Secretary Divisions in the Hambantota district.

Around Rs. 5 million is allocated to the project through Wanasarana Thurulatha Swechcha Society, and it is expected that the project will help improve the educational standards and socio-economic development of 160 children and families by providing a better educational environment in the area.

As a strong development partner, Japan has been working together with the Government to facilitate socio-economic development in Sri Lanka, ranging from infrastructural development at national level to rural development at the grass roots level.

Considering Japan's history of development, it is evident that rural and human resource developments play a leading role in the development of a country.

It is envisaged that the two projects would contribute greatly to rural and human resource development, and thereby enhance development of Sri Lanka.