MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce Australia will provide an additional $8 million to assist with reconstruction in tsunami affected areas of Sri Lanka.
This contribution is in addition to $10 million previously allocated to Sri Lanka from a general $60 million humanitarian assistance package committed by the Australian Government shortly after the disaster struck on 26 December 2004.
New pledges by Australia and other donor nations to support rehabilitation and reconstruction activities follow an acknowledgement at a recent Sri Lanka Development Forum that the country has performed as well as could be expected in response to the tsunami.
The $8 million will be directed through key multilateral institutions. Multilaterals such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank bring to the reconstruction effort the broad regional experience of these institutions, their quality control measures and a coordinated approach.
Sri Lanka was severely affected by the tsunami with more than 31,000 people killed and more than one million others injured, displaced or touched in different ways.
Australia's immediate assistance concentrated on providing urgent food aid, shelter, water and sanitation needs and public health education.
This latest funding will be targeted to six provinces in the north-east where people still need assistance with essential health, housing and sanitation services.
The Government of Sri Lanka has given assurances that the assistance will not be taxed and the disbursement of funds will be expedited.
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's office) 0419 206 890
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590