Japan has provided a sum of US$ 88,819 (approx. Rs. 17.6 million) for a project to construct school buildings for resettled children in Northern Province under Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The grant contract was signed yesterday (21st) at the Ambassador’s Residence in Colombo, between MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, Ambassador of Japan and Jesurasa Amirtharaj, Program Director of the Humanitarian Development Organization (HDO).

Humanitarian Development Organization (HDO) is carrying out Rehabilitation programmes in Northern Province. This project aims to provide a sufficient and comfortable educational environment for the children through construction of two school buildings at Kn/Skanthapuram No-02 G.T.M School in Karachchi Division, Kilinochchi District. At present 248 students of grade 1 to 11 are studying at the school. However, several classes are being conducted outside due to the shortage of classrooms. The new buildings will provide secure classrooms and a library for the returned children, enabling the school to have a separate classroom for special needs education unit.

Commenting on the provision of this grant, Mr. Amirtharaj stated that “The school is located in the war affected area of the Kilinochchi District. In 2009, people were displaced and they started to return after the war. There are many capable students; currently however, due to lack of classrooms, some students have no choice but to study under trees. It is very hard to conduct classes on rainy or harsh sunny days. Due to the war there are students with special needs, i.e. autism spectrum, returning to this village. They need a special classroom with facilities designed for them, which will be provided by this project. We will also be able to increase the number of students attending the school and give studying opportunity for many children who are prevented from enrollment because of the shortage of classrooms. The students and staff at Kn/Skanthapuram No-02 G.T.M School as well as the surrounding villagers, past pupils and well-wishers are very delighted and sincerely thank the assistance provided by the Government of Japan through the GGP to implement the proposed project to develop the school in our area.”