Sri Lanka launches joint plan with UN, NGOs for recovery of North

The Sri Lankan government jointly with the United Nations and non-governmental organizations launched a program to assist the people in the conflict-affected North to rebuild their lives.


A statement issued by the UN country team in Sri Lanka said a one-year program, called the "Joint Plan for Assistance for Northern Province in 2011" (JPA) that identifies priority activities and strategies to be undertaken during the year, was put forward today.
"A plan has been developed in support to the overall national programme to help the people of the Northern Province to recover, rebuild, and return to a normal life in the coming years," the statement said.
Speaking at the occasion, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Neil Buhne has noted that the process of recovery in the North, from humanitarian relief to economic development, would take several years.
"The ultimate aim is to ensure the long-term sustainable development of the Northern Province within the shortest timeframe possible," Buhne has said, emphasizing the importance of strengthened partnership and planning to realize the goal.
The Minister of Economic Development, Basil Rajapaksa has said that the government is well aware of what needs to be done to support re-establishment of lives and livelihoods.
The Minister has invited the donor community to in [...]