The grants were provided as part of the Australian government’s annual small grant funding programme and the Direct Aid Programme. These grants are available on a not-for-profit basis to local community groups to provide immediate relief for marginalised communities.

High Commissioner Mudie said “the High Commission has long taken pride in the Direct Aid Programme (DAP) as it allows us to provide direct benefits to community groups doing great work at the grass roots level. He added that through DAP, high commission is able to assist a number of disadvantaged groups, including women, children and those with a disability for a more prosperous future for all communities in Sri Lanka in the long term.”

Grants were awarded to projects for improving livelihood facilities and enhancing employment opportunities, vocational training for plantation sector women, raising awareness on human rights and prevent child abuse, post-war recovery activities, and establishing a community centre and a multipurpose learning centre.