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Australian High Commission Colombo

MEDIA RELEASE
_____________________________________________________________________
5 May 2006

Australian Government support for rural Sri Lanka

The Australian High Commissioner, Dr Greg French, presented funds to the recipients of the High Commission Direct Aid program (DAP) in a ceremony on 4 May.

Speaking at the occasion Dr Greg French said ‘DAP projects are small scale development activities granted to the most disadvantaged groups from all communities to alleviate hardships. The focus is on immediate results so that the communities are able to reap the benefits of the programs without delay.’

The Direct Aid Program provides funds to support organisations which assist the disadvantaged in Sri Lanka. In the past DAP has supported programs to assist female headed households, children, the disabled, the elderly and the rural poor, among others. Projects are located across the country.

The projects funded in the current round included:

• A Sarana Foundation water and sanitation program in Tangalle.

• Construction of a new sales centre for the Central Council of Disabled Persons in Bandarawela to support employment for the disabled members of the Council.

• Construction of cultivation wells and home gardening by the Women’s Development Society at Anuradhapura.

• Construction of an overhead water tank for the children of the Sith Sevana Mentally Handicapped Children’s Development Society in Tanamalvila.

For information on DAP funding please visit the Australian High Commission website at http://www.srilanka.embassy.gov.au/.

Media contact: Nazreen Marikkar on 011 2463243