Politics

Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath officially accepted a grant of US$ 2.5 million from Japan today. The grant was presented by Akio Isomata, Japan's Ambassador to Sri Lanka, to aid in the recovery and rebuilding efforts following the devastation of Cyclone Ditwah. This assistance comes alongside the quick deployment of a Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team and the supply of emergency relief materials to Sri Lanka. Minister Herath expressed his gratitude to the government and people of Japan for their ongoing support during difficult times. As stated by the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, the emergency grant, which received approval from the Japanese government on December 16, will be implemented in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the World Food Programme (WFP), and UNICEF. This cooperation aims to address the significant damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah. Through the IOM, Japan will allocate US$ 1 million to provide 615 shelter kits, which will include kitchen, wash, and bedding kits, for households severely impacted in Kandy, Badulla, and Kegalle. The WFP will also receive US$ 1 million from Japan for emergency food assistance, which will help families living in safety shelters in the four most affected districts: Kandy, Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, and Kegalle. This aid will enable these households to purchase necessary food items. Additionally, through UNICEF, Japan will contribute US$ 500,000 for water, sanitation, and child protection efforts in the Central, Uva, Eastern, Western, and North Western Provinces, which are heavily affected. This support aims to ensure access to safe water and prevent infectious diseases in evacuation centers by supplying emergency water and sanitation materials, fixing issues with water supply systems, and promoting hygiene practices to stop waterborne diseases. Minister Herath expressed his sincere appreciation for this timely help and praised the Government of Japan for its continuous support, including previous emergency relief goods provided through JICA and the dispatch of the Japan Disaster Relief Medical Team.