The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded approximately 1.6 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($10,000,000) in grant assistance to an American NGO to engage local communities in reconciliation activities in Sri Lanka.
The three-year initiative by Global Communities will partner with the Government of Sri Lanka and local civil society to address underlying challenges to reconciliation, the US Embassy in Colombo said in a statement.
The project is supposed to “promote a shared and inclusive Sri Lankan identity, reduce socio-economic disparities, and strengthen resilience among multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities.”
According to the Embassy, activities will expand citizen-driven initiatives and networks among local communities and support those affected by the war. They will also strengthen local governments and community-based organisations that provide critical services to the most needy and increase access to psychosocial services. Additionally, the project will increase opportunities for youth and women to exercise leadership in promoting responsible citizenship and reconciliation.