In a statement issued jointly to launch a documentary featuring joint cooperation projects carried out in Sri Lanka, the EU and the UN said the two organizations have cooperated successfully to meet short and long term needs of the country's people.
The EU has granted funds amounting to 82 million Euros (USD 112 million) to the United Nations in the last 5 years for emergency relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation activities, and development projects in Sri Lanka.
The 27-member EU is the largest contributor to the UN funds amounting to almost 40 percent of its regular budget, according to the UN.
Dirk Meganck, Director of the EuropeAid Cooperation Office attending the launching yesterday on behalf of EU has said that the two organizations will continue its support to Sri Lanka.
"The EU and UN have not only supported Sri Lanka during times of difficulty and war but will continue to assist the country in its post conflict development as the joint partnership between the two organisations has proved to be successful," he has assured.
The major part of the European Union's post-Tsunami grant funding for reconstruction to Sri Lanka was managed through the UN to rebuild the Tsunami stricken district of Ampara in particular, while extending support to the districts of Matara, Hambantota, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, and Jaffna as well, the statement said.
Neil Buhne, UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator has said that by working jointly the two organizations have achieved more than working separately and hoped for the partnership to extend to other communities.
"The combination of a strong UN experience and partnership with local authorities, and communities, with key EU inputs on project design, monitoring and funding, is producing results with a lasting impact," Buhne has noted.
The two organizations have been working together in Sri Lanka for many years supporting diverse sectors including infrastructure, shelter, education, livelihoods, water and sanitation, environment, health and food security in close collaboration with the Sri Lankan authorities.
The two organizations said that under their current co-operation they aim to continue providing longer term assistance through interventions including mine risk education, reconstruction of health and education facilities, improvement of water and sanitation and support to livelihood development.
"The European Union and the United Nations look forward to implementing future projects and programmes guided by the country's development programmes in a post conflict Sri Lanka, with the aim of providing a significant contribution to rebuilding the lives of people through renewed hope," the statement added.
No comments:
Post a Comment