27.9.2008
Colombo News Desk

The Government of Japan through its “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human
Security Projects (GGP)” has provided US$ 48,511 (approximately Rs.
5,166,384) to construct 15 Agro Wells in the Maddyama Nuwaragampalatha DS
division in Anuradhapura, which will be implemented by the “Women’s
Development Society.”

The farmers in the Maddyama Nuwaragampalatha currently depend on rain water
and can only cultivate for three months in a year due to scarcity of water.
These agro wells will enable the farmers to cultivate throughout the year
and will improve their livelihood. In addition, these Agro wells will
improve the health and hygiene conditions of the area by providing clean
water, which is expected to benefit 75 families directly and 200 families
indirectly.
The GGP is a scheme that funds NGOs and local authorities to implement
projects which directly benefit grassroots communities. During the current
year, current year, the GGP has funded projects for the livelihood
development of the East, infrastructure development in rural Badulla
District, and de-mining projects in the North and East.

The signing of the Grant Contract took place on 26th September, 2008
between Mr. Kaoru Shimazaki, Chargé d Affaires of The Embassy of Japan, and
Ms.Wijitha Basnayake, Chairperson of the “Women’s Development Society,”
in the presence of other officials at the Embassy of Japan in Colombo.