Australian support for development projects in Sri Lanka

The Australian High Commissioner, Kathy Klugman, presented funds worth approximately Rs 3 million to beneficiaries of the Australian Government's Direct Aid Program (DAP) in a ceremony held this morning.

Speaking at the occasion Ms Klugman said that the High Commission takes great pride in the Direct Aid Program as it allows us the opportunity to provide direct benefits to those most in need; which includes women, children, the disabled, conflict affected persons, the elderly and other disadvantaged groups.

The Direct Aid Program is aimed primarily at supporting small-scale development activities that fully involve beneficiaries in the identification, design and management of the activities.

In the current funding round, the High Commission will support the National Cancer Institute to transport two containers of hospital equipment from Australia for a new ward at the National Cancer Hospital in Maharagama; the Centre for Women and Development in Jaffna for an income generation project to provide support to 800 women; and the Centre for Environment Human Rights and Development in Matara for a home gardening and self employment project for tsunami affected women.