Japan helps increase artificial limbs supply

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Japanese government granted Rs 3.7 million to increase the supply capacity of artificial limbs by providing equipment to manufacturing shops under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP).

The contract in this regard was signed between Japanese ambassador Nobuhito Hobo and the Colombo Friend-in-Need Society at the ambassador's residence.

The project will be implemented by the Colombo Friend-in-Need Society which has provided free artificial limbs to those in need and will directly help 1,000 people annually to reintegrate into society and improve their social environment.

"The Colombo Friend-in-Need Society is celebrating its 180th anniversary this year. This is the first time we received such a magnanimous donation," Colombo Friend-in-Need Society Chairperson Kalyani Ranasinghe said.

"This project aims to replace old equipment used in manufacturing shops with new ones with better quality and durability and also to improve fuel efficiency," she added.

The GGP scheme is one of Japan's grant aid schemes which commenced in 1989 to ensure human security at grassroots level and realise human-centred development through quick-impact projects. Since 1989, 228 such projects were supported and around Rs 3,860 million was granted under the GGP in total, Japanese ambassador Hobo said.

Japan and Sri Lanka celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. During the last six decades, Japan and Sri Lanka have maintained strong mutual partnership. Japan has been a strong partner in Sri Lanka's social and economic development.

Japanese Economic Corporation Head Suguru Minoya, Secretary Sunila de Alwis, Second Secretaries Toyoteru Doi, Kayo Imamura, GGP Consultant Lashantha Jayawardhana,Technical Board Chairman Dr J K S Weerasekara and Treasurer Patma de Vos were present at the signing ceremony.