EU allocates Rs 1.6 billion for counter-terrorism efforts in Sri Lanka

The European Commission (EC) of the EU has allocated 8.5 million Euro (Rs 1.6 billion) in order to support counter-terrorism efforts and promotion of peace in Sri Lanka.

According to the Commission, these funds had been allocated following EU Vice President Federica Mogherni’s meeting with Foreign Minister Thilak Marapana this month.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Bangkok.

Issuing a statement, the EC stated that it would also assist in a three-pronged approach to assist Sri Lanka’s counter-terrorism efforts since the Easter Sunday attacks.

This would include supporting policy makers, security officials, judiciary and other relevant authorities in preventing and responding to terrorist attacks “in a human rights compliant manner”.

The second approach would be to assist relevant parties to introduce positive awareness campaigns on preventing violent extremism as well.

The EU’s executive arm also stated that it would also assist Sri Lankan authorities on the “last stages of mine clearance” activities in three northern districts of the country.