Japanese volunteers support SL’s development efforts at grass-root level

On 15th February, five young Japanese volunteers were introduced to their host organisations at an assigning ceremony which was held at the Department of External Resources (ERD). The occasion was graced by ERD, JICA and officials representing the volunteers’ host organisations and other institutions. Five volunteers introduced themselves and expressed their determination to carry out 2 year assignment in Sinhala language.

The volunteers have come to Sri Lanka with the aim of providing their expertise to improve and add value to activities carried out by various public institutions in the country as a part of JICA’s on-going Volunteer Dispatch Program.

After the ceremony, the five volunteers will start working in each Sri Lankan host organisation.

Two volunteers will work in environmental education in support of waste management related awareness activities at household, school and institutional level for the Colombo and Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia municipal councils.

One volunteer will support non-communicable disease prevention at the Dehiovita MOH Office.

Two will work to support the Ministry of Education’s Sports and Physical Education Program in Deniyaya and Bandarawela.

Since the inception of JICA’s Volunteer Dispatch Program in Sri Lanka in 1981, a total 1,131 volunteers have worked in Sri Lanka, and their contribution towards development activities at grass-root level is greatly valued by the organisations that have received their services. Currently there are 81 volunteers working in various parts of the country.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is the executing agency of Japan’s Bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA). JICA, the world biggest bilateral aid agency, works in over 150 countries and regions. In accordance with its vision of ‘Inclusive and Dynamic Development,’ JICA supports the resolution of development issues in developing countries. In Sri Lanka, Japan has been providing financial and technical assistance since 1954 and is one of the largest donors to the country. On behalf of the people of Japan, JICA contributes to improve the lives of people in Sri Lanka.