EU funds education and health projects in East

Education, health and water and sanitation services in eastern Sri Lanka have received a welcome boost thanks to the European Union funding through UNICEF, in schools and community health clinics.

Three new schools and two health centres have been opened in the Eastern Province, representing a total investment of over Rs. 90 million (600,000 euros).

Head of Delegation of the European Union Bernard Savage said, "It is rewarding to see the EU assistance reaching the beneficiaries especially children in the Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts. We are positive that this partnership with UNICEF in collaboration with the relevant government authorities will help make a meaningful change in the education and health services in eastern Sri Lanka", he said.

UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative, Reza Hossaini said, "We thank the EU for its generosity and for investing in children. Ensuring all children and women, no matter where they live, have access to decent education and health services is important if we, in partnership with the government, are to help to build a durable peace."

The three schools are T/M Sri Shanpaha Maha Vidyalayam in Eechilampatthu, Trincomalee district, BT/BW Panchenia Pari Vidyalayam in Panchenai, Vavunathivu, Batticaloa district and BT/BW Kanchirankudah Kamatchi Vidyalayam, in Kanchirankudah, Batticaloa district. Each school will provide education for 710,367 and 309 pupils.

The two health clinics will serve a population of over 7,000 in Pondukalchenai and Pullumalai in the East. Among the services offered by the two health clinics are ante-natal clinics, well-baby clinics and nutrition rehabilitation for under-nourished children. The EU is providing around Rs. 10 million (71,000 Euros) in grant assistance for the two health clinics.