The Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs
and Trade, Mr Bruce Billson MP, who recently visited Sri Lanka, announced new
projects valued at over A$5 million (US$4 million) to support Sri Lanka’s
peace-building and humanitarian efforts.
Mr Billson announced that this additional funding will support mine action programs
carried out by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Swiss Foundation
for Mine Action (FSD), as well as humanitarian assistance in the north and east
by UN agencies.
During his visit, Mr Billson inspected a major Australian-funded
sewerage treatment plant in Hikkaduwa and mine action projects in Jaffna.
‘Australia remains committed to the provision of aid
to address urgent needs in Sri Lanka and to support efforts to achieve a lasting
peace’, Mr Billson said.
Background
The Hikkaduwa Costal Zone Waste Management Project,
to which Australia is contributing A$3.2 million (US$2.5
million), will dramatically reduce pollution in the
coastal zone around Hikkaduwa. A sewerage treatment
plant has been constructed which will process waste
water from hotels and homes in the areas.
New Australian mine action funding will be channelled through
the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Swiss Foundation for Mine
Action (FSD). FSD will receive A$1 million (US$790,000) to support mine surveying
and clearance operations in Vavuniya and Mannar. A contribution of A$550,000
(US$434,500) will support UNDP’s Mine Action Program.
A further A$1 million (US$790,000) will be channelled through
the UNDP Transition Programme to fund local small?scale infrastructure in the
conflict-affected eastern districts of Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will receive
A$2.5 million (US$2 million) to help rebuild schools and provide ‘catch-up’
education for conflict-affected children and also help young landmine victims
resume their education.
In the current year, Australia is providing $23 million (US$18
million) in humanitarian and development assistance in Sri Lanka.
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