Japanese grant for social welfare project

The Japanese Government has extended US$28,501 (approximately Rs. 3.7 million) grant for a social welfare project to expand the supply capacity of artificial limbs by providing equipment to the workshops under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP).

The project to develop the setting workshops to manufacture artificial limbs and appliances in Colombo will be implemented by the Colombo Friend-in-Need Society which has provided artificial limbs and rehabilitation to those in need and will help 1,000 people annually to reintegrate into society and improve their social environment.

President of Colombo Friend-in-Need Society Ms Kalyani Ranasinghe said, "This year, the Colombo Friend-in-Need Society is celebrating 180 years of service to the nation and we are extremely grateful to have such a magnanimous donation in the same year.

This project aims at replacing the equipment being used in the workshop to fabricate artificial limbs, that would be of better quality and durability of the limbs and also improve fuel efficiency."

Japan and Sri Lanka celebrate the 60th anniversary of its diplomatic relations this year.

During the past six decades, Japan and Sri Lanka have maintained a strong mutual partnership. Japan has been a strong partner in Sri Lanka's social and economic development, in grants, Yen loans and technical cooperation mainly by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Japan hopes that this assistance would further increase the ties between the people of Japan and Sri Lanka.

The grant contract between the Japanese Ambassador and the President of Colombo Friend-in-Need Society was signed on Thursday at the Ambassador's residence in Colombo.