The Government of Japan has announced USD 2.66 million in funding for two development projects in Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening climate resilience and promoting gender equality in vulnerable communities. The initiatives will be implemented with the support of the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Sri Lanka under Japan’s Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB).
The first project, “Net-Zero, Nature-Positive Dairy – Climate-Smart Dairy Value Chains through Energy Transition & Nature-Based Solutions,” is allocated USD 1.5 million. It aims to build a climate-smart dairy sector by introducing green technologies, sustainable farming methods and market-oriented solutions. The project will benefit around 750 smallholder farmers and indirectly support over 5,000 people, including youth entrepreneurs, veterinary officers and milk collectors in districts such as Kilinochchi and Nuwara Eliya. It also places special focus on women and young people to improve productivity and reduce carbon emissions.
The second project, valued at USD 1.16 million, is titled “Gender Responsive Advancement and Operational Enhancement of Women Deminers in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.” It will be carried out with the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Sri Lanka to strengthen the role of women in mine clearance operations. The initiative will enhance training and technology use for women deminers, improving the efficiency and safety of landmine removal in districts such as Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.
Overall, these projects aim to improve livelihoods, strengthen human security, and support Sri Lanka’s transition toward a climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy.
