The European Union (EU) is providing EUR 40 million to Sri Lanka to co-finance the "Strengthening Transformation, Reconciliation and Inclusibe Democratic Engagement (STRIDE) project.
Dr R.H.S. Samaratunga, Secretary to the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance, signed the financing agreement on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka on 9 October 2019.
H.E. Tung-Lai Margue, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives said, "Good governance and the participation of communities are important to ensure that a country's growth reaches everyone. Local government structures must be responsive to people's needs. These are key elements in ensuring effective governance on the ground which help address causes of conflict. With STRIDE, the EU contributes to long-term peace, security, and development in Sri Lanka."
It will be implemented in the Northern, Eastern, North Central and Uva Provinces. The programme is expected to run for four years and will help an estimated one million people under 134 local government authorities in the four provinces.
The STRIDE project will also aim to strengthen community and special mediation boards to improve citizens' experience of and access to justice services.
See the full EU statement here.
