Sri Lanka will receive the full support of the United Nations (UN) for recovery and reconstruction following the recent extreme weather disaster, UN Resident Representative Marc-André Franche said on Monday.
He conveyed this assurance during a meeting with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath at the ministry.
Franche announced that the UN has allocated an initial US$4.5 million from its Emergency Response Fund to provide immediate relief to affected communities. The symbolic handover of the funds took place during the meeting.
According to the UN, the financial and technical assistance will focus on key areas such as food security, housing, drinking water, education, health, agriculture and fisheries.
Franche also noted that a five-member team from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has already arrived in Sri Lanka to carry out a detailed needs assessment. The UN will work closely with Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre in coordinating all support efforts.
Minister Herath highlighted that the disaster has had a severe impact on the population, economy, agricultural sector and essential infrastructure, stressing the need for strong international cooperation in the country’s recovery.
The UN Resident Representative further stated that the organisation will continue engaging with its offices in New York and Geneva to mobilise additional support from international partners for Sri Lanka’s rebuilding programme.
