FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – In a significant collaboration, Akio Isomata, the Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka, and Azusa Kubota Tachiiri from UNDP Sri Lanka have formalized an agreement aimed at aiding communities impacted by cyclones in the region. The agreement, which was signed in the presence of the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, allocates $1.33 million from Japan to support recovery efforts.
Tachiiri emphasized the goal of the initiative, stating, “The partnership between UNDP Sri Lanka and the Embassy of Japan is designed to transform disasters into opportunities, enhance resilience in vulnerable areas, and foster enduring hope within communities throughout Sri Lanka.”
This project aims to implement the ‘Build Back Better’ principle, focusing on sustainable recovery practices.
According to the UNDP, the cyclone Ditwah has exacerbated existing waste management challenges in the affected communities. “We are enhancing local disaster debris management through innovative waste solutions,” Tachiiri noted. “By rehabilitating community infrastructures and adopting more resilient housing strategies, we can assist communities in rebuilding in a sustainable and climate-conscious manner.”
The initiative is expected to provide direct assistance to approximately 228,500 individuals, while an additional 700,000 people will benefit indirectly through strengthened local systems.
In a related effort, Ambassador Isomata also presented six refrigerated trucks to the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation, along with a financial contribution of 200 million yen to enhance Sri Lanka’s cold chain infrastructure, a move aimed at minimizing post-harvest losses and ensuring food security in the country.
