Canada supports NPC in helping communities impacted by the COVID-19 crisis

The Government of Canada has provided over CAD $56,000 (approximately Rs. 7.5 million) to support Sri Lanka’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic through targeted relief to some of those most affected in vulnerable communities. 

The funds are being granted to the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka (NPC) through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), the Canadian High Commission said in a media release.

The NPC is part of the Civil Society Committee of the Presidential Covid-19 Task Force. With an established network around the country, consisting of district level NGOs and inter-religious committees, the NPC will provide dry rations to many districts nation-wide. As the lockdown and 24-hour curfew proved to been a serious challenge to many, the NPC will assist those in dire need, it said.

David McKinnon, High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka said: “Through Canada’s support, we hope to assist the most vulnerable communities as they combat this disease and its severe economic impacts. I am glad we could work with the NPC to respond quickly to an identified need, working across communities and around the country”.
The NPC will engage in crisis mitigation interventions by supplying dry rations to institutions, marginalized individuals and families identified by its partner network and state officials nation-wide. This will include persons with disabilities (PWDs), female-headed households, orphanages, long-term care facilities as well as elders’ homes.
“There is a need for solidarity at this time across people, ethnicities, religions, regions and countries. We are happy to be a part of this process to look after the most affected with Canada’s assistance,” said the NPC Executive Director Dr. Jehan Perera.