http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20111101_01


Rs 70 m Japanese grant for Northern demining
The Japanese government has extended an additional grant of Rs. 70 million for demining in the North through Delvon Assistance for Social Harmony Sri Lanka (DASH), a Sri Lankan Mine Action NGO, to expedite the efforts of the Sri Lankan government to achieve a mine-free Sri Lanka, said Japanese Ambassador Nobuhito Hobo.
The agreement was signed between Japanese Ambassador Nobuhito Hobo and DASH Demining Programme Manager Ananda Chandrasiri at the Ambassador's residence, yesterday.
According to the Japanese ambassador, the Japanese government had provided Rs. 2,400 million for mine clearance activities in the North and the East since 2003 under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, also known as GGP.
"I believe that Japan's support for demining activities would have accelerated the return and resettlement of International Displaced Persons, and facilitated the recommencement of agriculture and other livelihood activities of returnees," the Ambassador said.
Through this project more than 2,000 people in Kilinochchi would be able to recommence their livelihoods and 115 vulnerable people in the area will be provided jobs, he said.
In addition to the demining assistance, the Japanese government has extended its support in the North for projects, such as, improvement of facilities of Jaffna Teaching Hospital, construction work on the Vavuniya-Kilinochchi transmission line, urgent rehabilitation of resettled communities in the Jaffna and Mannar districts and other required assistance throughout Sri Lanka.
Japan hopes this assistance would directly meet the needs of the people while improving their living conditions and contributing to sustainable peace and development in Sri Lanka.
DASH Chairman Deepal Subasinghe, Advisor Steen Wetlesen, Japanese Embassy Economic Corporation's Head Suguru Minoya, Second Secretary Kayo Imamura and GGP consultant Miwako Shiino also participated.
Courtesy : Daily News