SIHRN-World Bank formalize Establishing NE development fund

[TamilNet, Friday, 28 February 2003, 12:34 GMT]
The World Bank (WB) and the Sub Committee on Immediate Humanitarian Rehabilitation Needs (SIHRN) Friday signed a "Letter of Intent " as a prelude to establishing a North East Reconstruction Fund (NERF) in support of post conflict development efforts in the northeast province, a press release issued by the SIHRN said.

"This follows the invitation earlier this year where the World Bank and the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) and tis partner in peace negotiations, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), to act as the custodians of the fund," states the press release.

It further states: -

The NERF will allow the SIHRN of the Sri Lankan peace process to rapidly and flexibly apply by lateral donor resources to meet the immediate needs of the people affected by the conflict, both returnees and those who remained in the conflict areas. The World Bank will administer the grants received from bilateral donors.

The NERF will finance

1. Support for small-scale sub-projects to repair and upgrade rural infrastructure and to strengthen basic health and educational facilities. The Fund is also expected to support actions focused on women and children, especially concerning their physical and metal health and education as well as assisting with the social integration and rehabilitation of orphans from the conflict.
2. Voluntary resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced persons through certain identified livelihood schemes
3. Mine clearance activities and mine awareness and training program
4. Salaries and operating costs of SIHRN as well as the capacity building activities.

The World Bank will employ an independent firm to monitor the procurement of goods and services, review and recommend approval of withdrawal application and monitor expenditure financed by the grant fund. It will also employ an independent auditor.

The representatives of the SIHRN and the World Bank signed the Letter of Intent Friday.

WB Country Director in Sri Lanka Mr. Peter Harrold, Mr.Naresha Durai Swamy and Mr.Sheng Man Zang, Managing Director of the World Bankattended the SIHRN meeting Friday held at Killinochchi, sources said.