Canadian assistance to Sri Lanka began
in the1950s with the provision of food,
raw materials and heavy equipment. Major
infrastructure projects were financed
later. In the 1980s, rural development
and agriculture were the main areas of
work undertaken by the Canadain International
Development Agency (CIDA), which is the
federal agency responsible for administering
most of Canada’s Official Development
Assistance (ODA) program.
Since 1990, CIDA has largely focused on
supporting key Sri Lankan institutions
to help them address the political, social
and economic causes of the conflict.
CIDA’s bilateral program in Sri
Lanka is based mainly in partnership with
NGOs.
The three main
objectives and expected results for CIDA’s
assistance in Sri Lanka
To promote key
institutions, which can improve policies,
related to economic reforms and promotion
of human rights and democratic values.
· Increased capacity of institutions
to protect and promote human rights and
respect for law
· Enhanced role of civil society
in decision-making
· Strengthened democratic institutions
and processes
To strengthen
community level institutions and support
programs promoting economic activity,
employment creation and provision of basic
social services among those whose unfulfilled
aspirations have fuelled the conflict.
· Enhanced capacity of institutions,
government and other organizations to
formulate, promote and implement policies
and programs that satisfy basic human
needs
· Enhanced role of civil society
in decision-making
To assist in reconstruction
and rehabilitation in areas afflicted
by the conflict.
· Improve the ability of vulnerable
groups to undertake activities that meet
their basic human needs
In addition, gender
equality and environmental sustainability
are considered in the planning and delivery
of all projects.
CIDA
tsunami reconstruction strategy,
while expanding programming in the pre-tsunami
areas of focus, explores engagement in
three new sectors
- Environmental rehabilitation
- Fisheries
- Local governance.
The four year strategy emphasizes the
imperative of ensuring solid donor and
Non Governmental Organization (NGO) coordination
and the need to integrate conflict analysis
and sensitivity into all programming efforts.
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