News
New USD 2.8 mn project in Northern Province
ILO initiative backed by Australia and Norway
The International Labour Organisation (ILO), in partnership with the Government of Australia and the Government of Norway, recently launched the GROW Project– Generating Resilient Opportunities for Work – a transformative US$2.8 million initiative aimed at strengthening livelihoods, climate resilience, and social empowerment for marginalised communities in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
The Northern Province — home to over 75,000 women-headed households and more than 21,000 persons with disabilities — continues to face significant challenges following years of conflict, economic hardship, and intensifying climate hazards. GROW addresses these intersecting challenges head-on through a three-pronged strategy: economic empowerment, social inclusion, and climate resilience according to a statement issued by ILO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Speaking on the relevance and importance of the project for the province, Northern Province Governor Nagalingam Vedanayagam said: “With the support of the Government of Australia and the Government of Norway, we have seen the positive impact of collaborative and innovative efforts to rebuild our economy and restore livelihoods. The GROW project demonstrates our continued joint commitment to advance inclusive, climate-resilient development for our communities.”
GROW builds on more than a decade of successful interventions under the ILO’s Jobs for Peace and Resilience (JPR) Programme including the LEED, LEED+, EGLR, PAVE projects. Implemented from 2025 to 2028, the project focuses on creating lasting and inclusive employment through climate-resilient agriculture and aquaculture, social empowerment, and market system development.
“Australia and Sri Lanka’s development partnership is built on joint development solutions to support the growth of a strong, successful Sri Lanka. Australia is excited to partner, alongside the Government of Norway, with the International Labour Organisation for the GROW programme. This will build on our previous engagements in the North to ensure equitable growth, climate-resilient development and resilience for the region.” said Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens
Funded with $1.9 million from the Government of Australia and $900,000 from the Government of Norway, GROW is aligned with both countries’ development strategies — emphasising women’s empowerment, disability inclusion, food security, and climate adaptation.
“Norway is delighted to support the GROW project and believe that it can make a difference in the lives of many people of the Northern Province. Reconciliation is not a destination — it is a process. GROW can contribute positively to this process,” said Martine Aamdal Bottheim, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Norway to India, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.
The Director, ILO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Ms. Joni Simpson stated “GROW brings together farmers, cooperatives, companies, government, and civil society in a model that is collaborative, inclusive, and evidence based. Together with our partners we believe this project will build stronger livelihoods, more cohesive communities, and a fairer future for all.”
GROW will develop and expand partnerships with private companies in high-potential value chains such as gherkin, seaweed, horticulture, and tilapia, creating sustainable livelihoods, promoting digitization, and community-led empowerment. The programme will also strengthen government extension services and embed long-term sustainability through institutional capacity building and support for short food value chains.
Latest News
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued early warnings to the Districts of Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura from 1600hrs on 13th June 2026 till 1600hrs on 14th June 2026.
Accordingly,
LEVEL I (YELLOW) landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surounding areas of Palindanuwara and Agalawatta in the Kalutara district, Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya and Ayagama, Pelmadulla,
Godakawela, Elapatha, Kalawana, Ratnapura and Nivithigala in the Ratnapura district.
News
INS Sharda departs Colombo concluding replenishment visit
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) ‘Sharda’ departed the island today (13 Jun 26), concluding her replenishment purposes.
On departure the vessel was accorded a traditional naval farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy at the Port of Colombo.
The visit also paved the way for vibrant personnel interactions, fostering camaraderie and goodwill. The crew of INS Sharda and personnel from the Sri Lanka Navy participated in a
friendly volleyball match and a joint yoga session. A
dditionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel had the opportunity to visit the Indian naval vessel, while the visiting crew took time to explore several culturally significant landmarks across the island.
Latest News
Special Dengue Prevention Week declared in Colombo District from June 15 to 21
A decision has been taken to declare a Special Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 of June by the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee to curb the spread of the disease in the Colombo District.
This decision was taken at the meeting of the Colombo District Dengue Control Committee held on Friday (12) at the Colombo District Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
Compared to last year, the number of dengue cases reported this year has increased significantly. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, approximately 39,100 dengue cases have been reported island wide to date, of which 25.8% have been recorded in the Colombo District. Following this situation, the Colombo District has been identified as a high-risk district.
Health authorities informed that the increasing spread of the disease has been influenced not only by the nature of circulating virus but also to the lack of sufficient immunity among the population. They further noted that the recent period of heavy rainfall has aggravated the spread of Dengue.
It was also identified that the current outbreak is being reported more frequently from public places such as government institutions, private establishments, schools, and religious venues rather than from residential premises. Observations have identified improperly managed solid waste and drainage systems in offices and other public locations as major breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Accordingly, during the Dengue Prevention Week from 15 to 21 June, a series of measures will be implemented, including, organising community clean-up campaigns in government and private institutions, schools, residential areas, and other public spaces; Conducting inspections of high-risk premises by Divisional Secretariats and taking legal action, where necessary, followed by awareness programmes; Distributing informational leaflets, displaying banners, and carrying out public awareness campaigns through the media. Health authorities also requested school administrations not to involve students below Grade 10 in school cleaning programmes and to immediately notify the relevant Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office if a student is diagnosed with dengue.
The programme is expected to receive the active support and participation of the district’s political leadership, religious leaders of all faiths, public officials, local government institutions, the tri-forces, the police, and the general public.
The event was attended by the Chairperson of the District Coordination Committee, Members of Parliament, representatives of local government authorities, government secretaries, police officers, and officials representing the education and health sectors, among others.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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