German Ambassador visits Mannar

German Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dr. Juergen Morhard, spent two days in Mannar visiting German-funded projects worth Rs. 30 million.Ambassador Morhard first met the beneficiaries of a project implemented by Caritas - Valvuthayam, the Socio Economic and Community Development Centre run by the Catholic Diocese of Mannar.

The organisation constructed permanent latrines costing over Rs. 3 million for recently resettled persons in Palaiyadiputhiukulum and Palaiperumalkattu.

The Ambassador also visited a livelihood project implemented by the Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC).

The project aims to empower women-headed households by providing means for self-employment. The beneficiaries of the funds from the German Micro Project Scheme received the capital and skills training to start their own chick farms. The WCIC said the project encouraged female participation in sustainable livelihood activities to improve living standards.

In Madukkarai, Ambassador Morhard handed over humanitarian assistance to the victims of recent flooding. The overall German assistance worth Rs. 15 million, provided through German NGO Welthungerhilfe in partnership with Sewa Lanka, benefits 1,500 persons in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar.The German government also provided assistance to flood victims in the Batticaloa district. The German NGO Humedica assisted 2,750 families in Vaalaichenai, Paddipalai, Kaaththankudi, Kiraan and Vavunativu, distributing food items and non-food items worth Rs. 14 million.

The German Ambassador said, "The micro project initiative is an effective tool for reaching the most vulnerable communities. We will continue to support those grassroots level organisations that promote a better quality of life for the people."