World Vision to expand development programmes in Central Province

World Vision Lanka recently signed MOUs with the Central Province Provincial Council and Local Government to upgrade water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in the two Divisional Secretariats in the Central Province.

World Vision Lanka National Director Suresh Bartlett and Central Province Ministry Secretary P G Amarakoon signed the MOU in Kandy recently.

The agreement will pave the way for the implementation of various water, sanitation and hygiene programmes, as well as capacity building and empowerment programmes for estate communities to enhance their living standards.

“We are aware of the good work done by World Vision in the region and the signing of this MOU is a further indication of the strengthening of our ties and assurance of the fullest support of the Government,” said Central Province Chief Minister Sarath Ekanayake.

The MOU was initiated as a result of the Australian Government funded ‘Rural Integrated Water Sanitation and Hygiene Project 2’ (RIWASH 2) implemented by World Vision Lanka in the Nuwara Eliya District. The project aims to provide water supply and sanitation facilities, common bathing places, storm water drainage systems and liquid waste management systems to over 20,000 persons, including over 3000 school children, spread over a number of estates, schools and rural villages in the Ambagamuwa, Nuwara Eliya and Walapane DS Divisions.

“We are happy to partner with the Government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure the country prospers and poverty is eradicated so that our children have the best possible future,” said World Vision Lanka National Director Suresh Bartlett.

Statistics indicate that only 60 percent of the population in the Central Province has access to potable water, due to contamination of water sources. This poses a serious threat to the health of families living downstream.

The RIWASH 2 project funded by AusAid focuses on three major interventions in the two DS divisions including water supply for rural communities, local governance and conflict mitigation.

The project will foster intentional partnerships between government, plantation management, and community organisations; build capacity of the respective stakeholders; and especially engage women and other vulnerable community members in program decision-making to promote good governance, address the root causes of conflict, and lay the foundation for peaceful coexistence.

World Vision Lanka has a long history of working in the Plantation Sector. Its Ambagamuwa Area Development Programme (ADP) commenced nearly 15 years ago in 1997. The organisation has expanded its programmes to Nuwara Eliya, Bogawantalawa , Pathana and Walapane in recent years.