The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) has
pledged AUD 3.3 million (nearly USD 3 million) over three years to
support IOM's efforts to generate the sustainable return and
socio-economic reintegration of internally displaced people in the
north and vulnerable communities affected by landslides in the
centre of Sri Lanka.

The project, which is the 3rd Phase of IOM's Australian
Community Rehabilitation Programme (ACRP) launched in 2006, 
will work with local government and other institutions at the local
level to improve access to jobs and services for impoverished and
vulnerable communities.

The programme will provide grants to help communities to rebuild
their livelihoods and develop skills through training. It will
provide tools and equipment, mobilize people and rehabilitate
community assets such as markets, irrigation systems, access roads
and other infrastructure. 

In line with the objectives outlined in the government's
Vadakkin Vasantham (Northern Spring) development programme, IOM
will also encourage the development of new technologies and added
value in farming and fisheries, and support the development of
public-private partnerships and networks to help communities to
market their products.

Over the past 14 months IOM Sri Lanka has provided assistance to
more than 200,000 internally displaced persons in the
conflict-affected north and east of the country. Other IOM
activities in Sri Lanka include technical cooperation in migration
management and counter-trafficking; assistance for voluntary
returns from abroad; stability support and ongoing humanitarian
assistance.

For further information, please contact:

Stacey Winston

IOM Sri Lanka

Tel:  +94 (0) 115325300

E-mail: "mailto:swinston@iom.int">swinston@iom.int