MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Billson
Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Bruce Billson, announced in Colombo, an Australian $3.5 million commitment to support Sri Lanka's peace-building and economic recovery efforts.
'Twenty years of civil conflict devastated much of Sri Lanka, claiming over 64,000 lives, driving more than 800,000 people from their homes and severely hampering the country's development,' Mr Billson said.
'The United Nations Children's Fund will receive $2.5 million from the Australian Government to rebuild schools and provide 'catch-up' education for conflict-affected children and also help young landmine victims resume their studies.
'Other key activities include providing women and children with better access to health, nutrition, water and sanitation services,' Mr Billson said.
'Australia's contribution of $1 million to the United Nations Development Program aims to significantly enhance local living standards by funding the construction of irrigation channels and roads to improve agricultural production and market access.
'The humanitarian funding will provide an important boost to the economies of the conflict-affected east coast districts of Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara.
'In southern Sri Lanka, an Australian funded waste management project in the coastal town of Hikkaduwa, is also having a significant impact on local living standards. Environmental concerns are being addressed and we are working together with the community to create jobs and establish a sustainable and profitable waste management program.
'The Australian Government, through AusAID, is helping Sri Lanka recover from two decades of conflict. In 2004-05, Australia is providing $23 million to support peace and economic recovery in Sri Lanka, reflecting Australia's commitment to help the world's most vulnerable people, including those affected by disaster and conflict,' Mr Billson said.
The Parliamentary Secretary is currently in Sri Lanka, seeing first hand the impact of Australian funded mine action programs. As Australia's Special Representative for Mine Action, Mr Billson will also attend the Nairobi Summit on a Mine Free World 2-3 December.
Media inquiries:
Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's office) 0408 680 442
Dominic Morice (AusAID) 02 6206 4220 or 0417 683 126