MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
On my visit to Colombo, I am pleased to announce additional funding of $4.6
million for new rehabilitation and peace-building activities in Sri Lanka over
the next two years. This is a tangible demonstration of Australia's support
for the peace process, which we recognise is an historic opportunity for Sri
Lanka.
During my visit I have meet with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, the Hon
Ranil Wickremasinghe, to discuss the peace process and bilateral issues
including development assistance and trade.
The peace negotiators deserve our admiration and congratulations for the
progress they have achieved in just six rounds of talks towards establishing a
common understanding. The decision of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
(LTTE) to suspend participation in the peace process and withdraw from the
planned donor conference in Tokyo in June is highly regrettable. I hope the
LTTE will quickly abandon this position and re-engage constructively in the
peace process and the Tokyo conference.
The $4.6 million in additional funding forms part of a substantial increase
in Australian aid to Sri Lanka. Total Australian assistance to Sri Lanka
is expected to reach $16.2 million in 2003-2004 - an eight per cent increase on
the expected outcome for 2002-2003.
The new funding package will be implemented by NGOs and multilateral
organisations under the Sri Lanka-Australia Community Rehabilitation
Program. Since 1997, this program has provided significant assistance to
communities affected by the conflict in Sri Lanka.
The Program is currently making an important contribution in de-mining and
the rehabilitation of former child soldiers. New projects will provide
access to clean water, health care, housing and education including vocational
training. Rural development and other income-generating activities will
also be a focus.
The Sri Lanka-Australia Community Rehabilitation Program reflects the
humanitarian priorities that have been identified during the peace negotiations
and will benefitall Sri Lankan communities.
Contacts: Chris Kenny (Minister's office) (02) 6277 7500 or 0419 206
890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489