Re-awakening project to cost over Rs 703 m

Anura MAITIPE

The Re-awakening project launched under the Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure Ministry has undertaken initiatives to develop livelihood and infrastructure development activities at a cost of Rs 703.22 with World Bank assistance in the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Moneragala and Puttalam districts, Project Director P. H. Sugathadasa said.

This project has provided finance assistance for 28,439 families living in 100 conflict affected villages with the least facilities in these districts.

This program will help people living in these villages to develop infrastructure facilities such as drinking water, minor irrigation tanks, roads, drainage lines and other essential facilities needed by them, he added.

This project has given top priority to upgrade livelihood development activities of people living in these villages, he said.

The project has also created an awareness among the people about self-building of their capacity, credit discipline, and skill development to wean away from a dependence syndrome which they have been used for the past many years due to war situation in these areas, he said.

These people have formed their own village development organization, micro finance sub-committees and self help groups to launch different community development projects and livelihood development programs with no out side contractors or other parties interfering, he noted.