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EU – SRI LANKA NEWSLETTER
October – December 2009
IN THIS ISSUE:
◊ Vakarai School Inauguration ◊ European Union Export Helpdesk
◊ Europe Film Festival 2009 ◊ EU funded project receives award
◊ Sports Day for the Disadvantaged ◊ ECHO funded Hospital
European Union grants LKR 300 million for the re-construction of school in
Vakarai
For over 700 students the 22nd of September was a day which they will never forget. On
that day they received an invaluable gift, the first and most important step to the
betterment of a child's future, the chance for a good education.
Vakarai Maha Vidyalayam, the newly constructed
education facility stands as the "pride of the East" as the
most modern and technically advanced school complex in
the Batticaloa District. The 700 plus students from grades 1
– 13 will benefit from this largest primary and secondary
school, which comprises of a fully equipped science,
computer, vocational and technology laboratories, library,
language centre and sports facilities.
This school which was completely destroyed by the 2004 R-L: EC Ambassador, H.E.
Tsunami has now been reconstructed and stands strong as President & Hon. Minister of
Education at the inauguration
an inspiration to the students who had to overcome many
ceremony (photos courtesy IOM)
challenges and hardships, such as utilising makeshift
buildings and not having the proper materials for their
education.
The reconstruction of the Vakarai MV was fully funded by the European Union and was
completed with the collaboration of the Ministry of Education and implemented by the
International Organization for Migration. The European
Union's grant of EUR 1.88 million (approximately LKR
300 million) towards the reconstruction of the school was
a component of the European Union's overall post Tsunami
aid package for Sri Lanka of EUR 147 million
(approximately LKR 24.2 billion). The EU - Tsunami aid
programme covered not only affected districts in the South
and East but also provided support to the affected districts
in the North.
The Vakarai Maha Vidyalayam was inaugurated by HE the
President Mahinda Rajapaksa in the presence of Hon Minister of Education Susil
Premajayantha and Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Commission to Sri Lanka
and the Maldives HE Bernard Savage and other dignitaries.
This school, which in the words of Ambassador Bernard Savage is "a gift to the present
and future students from the generous people of Europe as well as a token of their
long standing friendship with Sri Lanka", will be the launching pad for these students
to realise their dreams for a better education.
EC Press Office: Tel: (+94 11) 267 4413 ext. 4
<< www.dellka.ec.europa.eu >>
Page 2 of 6 Delegation Sri Lanka
Photos of the Vakarai School and students and of EC Ambassador presenting gifts
to the principal and students…
European Union Export Helpdesk - http://exporthelp.europa.eu
The European Union is the world's largest As of 1st July 2009, Export Helpdesk
single market and by far the most launched a new layout. The objective of
important trading partner for developing this overhaul was to make the website
countries. The wide range of preferential more user-friendly. Based on regular
and bilateral trade agreements that the feedback as well as after analysis of the
EU offers partners in developing questions received, the EH identified the
countries, allows them to benefit from need to simplify and add more
open access to the EU market. This is a information to each section. By adding a
degree of openness unmatched by any new section "About the Export Helpdesk"
other major economy and demonstrates newcomers will get a first introduction to
the EU's commitment to putting trade at the website enabling them to navigate
the service of development not only in more easily through each section. A links
theory, but in practice. section is also available, which includes
addresses of business directories in the
Despite these efforts many technical
EU, which enables exporters in third
obstacles remain for exporters to fully
countries to find importers in the EU.
benefit from the export opportunities
With the addition of these new features
provided. Most of these can be overcome
the EH will allow exporters in developing
when the information on how to access
countries to get more user-friendly
the EU market is more widely available.
information, so as to be able to take
This is why in the Export Helpdesk
better advantage of export opportunities
(EH) was developed in 2004 as a single
into the EU.
point of access for online information
Should you have any questions on the
about exporting to the EU. This website
new website, please send your questions
helps traders to find relevant background
through the EH contact mailbox:
information more easily so as to better
comply with the regulations.
http://exporthelp.europa.eu/hdinforequest/index.cfm?languageId=EN
EC Press Office: Tel: (+94 11) 267 4413 ext. 4
<< www.dellka.ec.europa.eu >>
Page 3 of 6 Delegation Sri Lanka
European Film Festival
For the second consecutive year the European Union in collaboration with the Alliance Française
Institute, European Embassies in Colombo and the National Film Corporation are organising
a European Film Festival from 7th to the 15th of November 2009. Initiated by the Geothe-Institut in
Colombo, this festival is the largest European film event in Sri Lanka to date. The festival will
showcase the rich and diverse culture of Europe as well as the vibrant film industry, through a
selection of its finest films.
This year the festival will consist of an assortment of 38 films in
both 35mm & DVD format, which is a significant increase to the
previous year. The formal Opening Gala Festival will take place
at the National Film Corporation on the 6th of November with the
screening of the classical Sinhalese movie "Gamperaliya"
directed by the renowned film director Lester James Peiris.
One of the only two copies of this movie will be lent by French
distributor Heliotrope especially for this event.
In contrast to last year, this year, while a majority of films will be
screened at the BMICH film hall the rest will be shown at the
Alliance Française, Geothe-Institut & the British Council Colombo.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy 10 days of European Culture
through film. For more information regarding films, screening
times and tickets please contact: Alliance Française de
Colombo T: 011 2694162 Email: ambfrclb@sltnet.lk
EU funded project receives "National Award for Green Jobs 2009"
"There is an overwhelming need to safeguard our
environment today, and in order to maintain a
healthy environment it is necessary to create
environment friendly jobs", says Secretary of the
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
As a step to promote more green jobs, the Ministry
decided to recognize and honour persons and
organizations who are engaged in such jobs.
Participants were asked to submit applications to be
considered for the "National Award for Green
Jobs 2009", which was presented on World
Environment Day (5th June 2009). The Director of Nagenahiru receiving the award
The Nagenahiru Foundation is a non profit NGO operating in the field of
Environment since 1991. The foundation received the award for the work
they carry out in the areas of Climate Change, Coastal Resource
Management & Education and Awareness Creation were was some of the
activities implemented by a project funded by the European Union ASIA
PRO ECO IIB Programme on education and restoration of Mangrove
Ecological System in the South of Sri Lanka.
Last year with funding from the EU, Nagenahiru also carried out a Youth
Nature Camp on the education and conservation of the environment and
wetland ecosystem. The goal of this programme was to foster an
appreciation and love of nature by inviting the youth to explore the wetlands
around them through hands-on, outdoor, experimental learning. By doing so
they hoped to inspire the youth of today to become environmentally
responsible citizens of tomorrow.
The European Union would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the
Nagenahiru Foundation in their achievement and wish them every success in their tireless work
towards restoration of the Environment.
EC Press Office: Tel: (+94 11) 267 4413 ext. 4
<< www.dellka.ec.europa.eu >>
Page 4 of 6 Delegation Sri Lanka
Enhancing Local Capacities
Handover of Physical Rehabilitation Centre to the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital
Physical Rehabilitation Centre (PRC) in Batticaloa, is a
project funded by the European Commission
Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), implemented by Handicap
International - France (HI/F). PRC provides assistive devices
and corrective measures to improve the quality of life of people
living with disabilities/injuries as well as educate their families
as they are their caregivers. Since its establishment, over
3,000 individuals have benefited from quality physical
rehabilitation services through more than 12,000 consultations.
Through physical rehabilitation people are
given the opportunity to show that disability
is not a fixed state but rather an evolving
one. It is a state that may be modified by
reducing impairments, developing aptitudes
and adapting environment to mainstream
people with disabilities in societies. The PRC
also provides services to conflict affected
people with injuries/disabilities in the North
of the country.
ECHO provides humanitarian aid to a range of
UN and international agencies to provide
basic life saving assistance during
emergencies. ECHO’s immediate response to (Standing from left) Mrs. Nuria Beneitez/Country
Director- HI/F, Mrs. Segolene de Beco/Technical
the humanitarian emergency in the North and
Assistant - ECHO, Mr. Muruganandam/Director-
East of Sri Lanka for 2008/9 is estimated to Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, Mrs. Ketheeswaran/
be approximately 25 million Euros. Additional Government Agent- Batticaloa. Photo
credit: Handicap Intl - France
On the 21st of August 2009 the PRC was
physically transferred to the Ministry of
Health (MoH), Government of Sri Lanka and
the PRC workshop was officially opened in
ward 15 of the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital.
The opening ceremony was graced by
distinguished guests including Mrs.
Ketheeswaran, the Additional Government
Agent Batticaloa, Mr. Muruganandam,
Director of Batticaloa Teaching Hospital, Mrs.
Segolene de Beco, Technical Assistant of
ECHO (seen cutting ribbon in picture to the left)
Photo credit: Handicap Intl - France
and Mrs. Nuria Beneitez the Country Director
of HI/F. According to the MOU between MOH
and HI/F the management handover of the PRC will take place gradually; and by June
2010, it is expected that MOH will be able to independently manage the PRC.
Handicap International (HI) is an international organisation specialised in the field of
disability. Being Non-governmental, non-religious, non-political and non-profit making, it
works alongside people with disabilities offering them assistance and supporting them in
their efforts to become self-reliant. Since its creation in 1982, the organisation has set up
programmes in approximately 60 countries and has intervened in many emergency
situations. HI has been working in Sri Lanka since 2004 and it has established itself in Sri
Lanka as one of the key organizations in the disability sector.
EC Press Office: Tel: (+94 11) 267 4413 ext. 4
<< www.dellka.ec.europa.eu >>
Page 5 of 6 Delegation Sri Lanka
European Commission Ambassador visits projects in the East
Ambassador meets Mayor of Kalmunai and Government Agent of Ampara
Visit to Seed Paddy Processing Centre in Akkaraipattu a project implemented through
UNDP.
This project benefits over 300 farmers.
Recipients of EU funded Houses in Ampara & Pottuvil (NEHRP – project
implemented through the World Bank and North East Housing Reconstruction
Unit (NEHRU)). EU funded approx. 4,000 houses in the East.
Visit to the Solid Waster Management Community Access Programme (CAP), up to
Facility under the Environmental 400km of access roads funded by the EU &
Remediation Programme (ERP) implemented by UNOPS.
funded by EU & implemented by UNOPS.
EC Press Office: Tel: (+94 11) 267 4413 ext. 4
<< www.dellka.ec.europa.eu >>
Page 6 of 6 Delegation Sri Lanka
"The EU & You" Tamil Radio Programme
After numerous request from listeners island wide the European
Commission Delegation launched the "EU & You" Tamil Radio
Programme in April this year. The programme airs every
Saturday from 7.00pm – 7.15pm on the SLBC Tamil Service
(101.3 FM).
While the introductory programmes focused on general information
on the EU and its activities in Sri Lanka, programmes in the coming
months will be more informative on the livelihood and rehabilitation activities the
European Commission carries out with their partner organisations in Sri Lanka as well as
other success stories and launches carried out by the EC in Sri Lanka.
Each week a quiz is held, based on the day's programme, to which listeners may send in
their answers by postcard to SLBC. Winners are announced the following week and receive
exciting gifts from the EU.
AIDEX Sports Day for the Disabled
For the fourth consecutive year the European
Union will co-sponsor the AIDEX sports day which
was held on 25 October 2009 at the Reid Avenue
Grounds, Colombo 7.
AIDEX is the annual sports festival organised by the
Colombo Friend-in-Need Society (CFINS), one of the
oldest charitable organisations in Sri Lanka that
supplies limbs for amputees throughout the island
under the Jaipur Foot Programme. AIDEX is part of the
rehabilitation programme for the disabled using Jaipur
limbs & wheelchairs.
Limb users island-wide are encouraged to participate to showcase their abilities as well as
the versatility of the limbs provided free-of- charge by the CFINS. Both children as young
as 8–10 years and elders over 70 years participate enthusiastically. CFINS & the EU
encourage the general public to attend the sports day to show their support towards the
participants and join in their achievements.
CFINS donates 750 – 900 limbs on an annual basis and since 1985 has donated over
20,000 limbs to accident, conflict-affected and other
victims. They also provide free hostel and meal facilities
to 30 persons visiting their clinics for rehabilitation. To
find out more about the work done by CFINS, Jaipur Foot
Programme or to offer financial assistance towards meals
and donate limbs, please contact:
Colombo Friend-in-Need Society
171, Sir James Peiris Mawatha, Colombo 2.
Tel: 94-11-2421651, Tel/Fax: 94-11-2544992
Email: cfins@dialogsl.net
DELEGATION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO SRI LANKA & THE MALDIVES
26, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Tel: (94-11) 267 4413/4 Fax: (94-11) 267 8860 Email: delegation-sri-lanka@ec.europa.eu
EC Press Office: Tel: (+94 11) 267 4413 ext. 4
<< www.dellka.ec.europa.eu >>
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