Sri Lanka gets EU aid for war-torn areas

June 17, 2010 (LBO) - The European Union has allocated 60 million euro (8.4 billion rupees) as aid to Sri Lanka mostly for the island's north and east which were ravaged by war, a statement said. "The programme will mainly focus on medium-term assistance in the North and East of the country," the statement from the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives said.

It said the aid is the second part of the EU Country Strategy for Sri Lanka spanning the 2007-2013 period, for new operations to be committed in the period 2011-2013.

" . . . the EU focuses on the needs of vulnerable communities, in particular those affected by the conflict which came to an end in 2009, and supports positive developments towards peace, consolidation and reconciliation."

Sri Lanka's 30-year ethnic war ended in May 2009, resulting in an economic revival.

The EU said its planned projects will follow onto those done under the first programme during 2007-2010 and complement emergency relief provided by the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Office.

"Ongoing or foreseen activities aim mainly at improving livelihood opportunities and rehabilitation," it said.

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