Grant contracts were signed with the Seva Lanka foundation and OfERR Ceylon.

The Government of Japan has extended US$ 111,571 (approximately Rs. 14 million) grant aid for ‘The Project for the Livelihood Enhancement for Resettled Communities of Internally Displaced Persons in Mullaitivu District’.

Sevalanka Foundation, as the implementing organization of this project will construct a paddy store, a packing and sales center with equipment and a grinding mill with all machinery. The project will also provide essential training skills such as leadership, book keeping, marketing etc. for women, disabled and other vulnerable communities in the area.

The grant contract for this project was signed between the Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka - Mr. Nobuhito Hobo and Chairman of the Sevalanka Foundation - Dr. Harsha Kumara Navaratne.

The Japanese government also provided US$ 97,841 grants aid for the Project for the Enhancing Livelihood for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to OfERR Ceylon.

The grant contract for this project was signed between the Japanese ambassador - Mr. Nobuhito Hobo and Ms. Sinnathamby Sooriyakumari, President of OfERR Ceylon.

Speaking, the Japanese ambassador - Mr. Nobuhito Hobo said, "The government of Japan has been a staunch partner of Sri Lanka in reconstruction and rebuilding of conflict affected regions. Restoration of normalcy in lives of those socially and economically excluded is paramount at this juncture. We believe that a grant totaling US$ 209,412 (over Rs. 270 million) which is now on the offer would contribute tremendously to resettled communities in Trincomalee and Mullaitivu districts in making them self - sufficient through increased livelihood opportunities."

"Finally, I would like to congratulate OfERR Ceylon and Sevalanka Foundation for launching the projects, and look forward to their successful completion. I hope that these projects will contribute greatly to sustainable peace, development and harmony in Sri Lanka," he added.