Japan has provided funding for two projects aimed at improving educational infrastructure and student welfare in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern provinces.
Grant contracts were signed Wednesday (4) by Japan’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Akio Isomata, under the “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)” program. The agreements were signed with Debbie Edirisinghe, founder and CEO of Child Action Lanka, and M.I.M. Thaiyoob, president of the Kattankudy Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited.
Japan provided $64,594 for a project by Child Action Lanka to construct a child development center in Kilinochchi district. The facility will include kindergarten classrooms, an IT room and other facilities, while existing classrooms will be renovated into a residential shelter for women and girls facing domestic violence and for disadvantaged girls who struggle to access schooling.
A second grant of $39,249 was allocated to the Kattankudy Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited to renovate the canteen at Kattankudy Central College. The project aims to ensure the stable provision of nutritious and affordable meals for about 2,100 students.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Isomata said Japan remains committed to supporting development in Sri Lanka’s conflict-affected Northern and Eastern provinces, highlighting the link between national reconciliation and socio-economic development.
Mrs Debbie Edirisinghe, Founder and CEO of Child Action Lanka, stated that the project is expected to directly benefit about 200 children and young people and reach more than 750 people in the surrounding community.
Japan has provided about $62 million in assistance to Sri Lanka through the GGP program since 1989. (NewsWire)
2026-03-04