Special funding of Rs1500 Mn for Reconciliation Focused Economic Empowerment Project

A programme  called “Reconciliation Focused Economic Empowerment Project” with the aim of strengthening economic and business linkages between North and South was initiated with a special budget allocation of Rs 1500 million by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Management (CCEM) headed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe, Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation said.

"The main objective of the project is to improve the production capacity of the producers of the conflict affected North and East provinces and border districts and to establish links with buyers and exporters from rest of the country through which inter-ethnic, inter-religious and inter-regional ties will be strengthened to ensure healthy integration and lasting reconciliation," V. Sivagnanasothy Secretary Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation said. 

The project will also provide livelihood support to conflict affected vulnerable families specially the refugee returnees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and war victims. Assistance will be prioritized to women headed families, families with disabilities, disabled ex-combatants, families with missing persons and those living under extreme poverty.  

It will support the micro enterprises in the conflict affected areas to enhance value chain and facilitate linkages between North and South. The project will cover sectors such as  agriculture, fisheries, livestock, self-employment , micro/small industries , handicrafts and services. The project will support training, technology transfer, machinery, working capital, market facilitation and credit facilitation said Mr. V. Sivagnanasothy Secretary Ministry of National Integration and Reconciliation 
    
"The aim of the project is to strengthen reconciliation efforts, reduce poverty in the North and East and border districts through livelihood support and economic empowerment of communities." ministry said.