Australian High Commission
Colombo
MEDIA RELEASE
30 June 2014
Australian Direct Aid Program grants Rs 27 million for
community-based projects across Sri Lanka
The Australian High Commission has granted Rs 27 million to support 13 community-based projects across Sri Lanka, implemented by 12 organisations. Acting Australian High Commissioner, Sonya Koppe, today handed over cheques to community based organisations implementing these small scale development projects around Sri Lanka.
The grants were provided as part of the Australian government’s annual small grant funding program, the Direct Aid Program. These grants are available on a not-for-profit basis to local community groups to provide immediate relief for marginalised communities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Acting High Commissioner Koppe said: “The aim of the Direct Aid Program is to advance developmental objectives and address humanitarian hardship where it is needed most.. Over the years we have supported hundreds of projects in Sri Lanka, transforming the lives of under-privileged people. Australia takes pride in the Direct Aid Program as it allows us to provide direct benefits to community groups doing important work at the grassroots level.”
Grants were awarded to, among others, projects for improving educational facilities for plantation sector, vocational training for women, post-war recovery activities, livelihood development, and improving health conditions and sanitation facilities.