JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY News FROM

September - DECEMBER 2015 • NUMBER 6 • SRI LANKA

Are You Interested in Frontline Officers Lead Studying in Japan?

Here We Offer a Great Community Development in Program for You! Conflict Affected Areas

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Frontline Officers Lead Community Development in Conflict Affected Areas Pages–1 & 2 Maritime Connectivity Key to South Asian Prosperity Page–3 Participants during group activity at the MDTU Training hall, “JDS”- A Unique Educational Experience Anuradhapura North Central Province Page–4 The Japan International Cooperation project was to improve the capacity Bridging the Bridges Agency (JICA) funded the technical of Management Development Page–5 cooperation project titled “Project Training Units (MDTUs), under Learning from Japan: Management of Water for Training of Frontline Officers in the Provincial Councils to train and Supply Services Community Development in Conflict facilitate frontline officers (FLOs) Pages–6 & 7 Affected Areas in Sri Lanka.” on community development. The JICA Partners LBR LBO The project has an interesting project is in its final phase and is Infrastructure Summit acronym (Training scheduled to close by end of March 2015 Project for Frontline OfficeRs 2016. Pages–8 Working to Actively Promote Rural SATREPS’ Final Development). The direct beneficiaries were the Workshop in Kandy Front Line Officers (FLOs) such as Pages–9 The main aim of the FORWARD Grama Niladharis, Development JICA Welcomes the 1,000th Volunteer

Project Summary Blood Donation, the Supreme Act of Charity Project: Project for Training of Frontline Officers in Community Development in Conflict Affected Areas in Sri Lanka Page–10 Duration: 3 years (March 2013 – March 2016) Healthcare Camp Benefits Tangalle Executing Agency: Ministry of Public Administration and Management Residents

Implementing organization: SLIDA, Management Development Training Units (MDTUs) in Page–11 Northern, North Central and Eastern Provinces. Geographical coverage: Conflict Affected DS divisions selected from Northern, North Central and 35th Anniversary of JOCV Eastern Provinces Page– 12

contd. page 2 Mr. Keisuke Ikuta, JOCV, with school children in an environment cleaning activity in Matale

Project News OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2015 • NUMBER 6 • SRI LANKA Page 2 Officers, Midwives, Public Health with the support from Provincial JICA in the Inspectors and other field officers Councils and Divisional Secretariats attached to various government even after the project closes. Media ministries and line agencies of JICA gives Lanka Rs.108m the Northern, North Central and The Project has created significant grant to construct concrete impact on FLOs working behavior tank in Beruwala Eastern Provincial Councils. Daily FT 5/9/2015 specially when it comes to Katunayake Airport Phase II This was a comprehensively interacting with communities, constructions to be completed in 2 years developed ten days training peers as well as supervisors in their Dinamina 9/9/2015 programme in cooperation with the organizations. Outer Circular Highway 2nd Sri Lanka Institute of Development Phase from Kaduwela to Number of FLOs Trained Kadawatha opens Administration (SLIDA). The Daily FT 18/9/2015 programme covered five modules Province Completed Original Airport development loan agreement signed in Tokyo in different disciplines related to Target Dinamina 8/10/2015 community development activities. Northern 354 210 Mitigating landslides: Sri Lankans shouldn’t repeat the Province Facilitators Produced by the same mistakes-JICA 22/10/2015 FORWARD Project. North 335 360 Central JICA Alumni Association- Health Camp Province Tamil Sinhala Province Dinamina 18/11/2015 Northern 54 Eastern 278 330 22 billion for the Kandy City Province Province Wastewater Management Project North Central 30 Total 967 900 Dinamina 27/11/2015 Province National Day of Japan- Cultural Exchanges between Eastern 35 24 The following story illustrates Japan and Sri Lanka in 2015 Province how an ex-participant has made a 23/12/2015 positive change to a community: Total 89 54 CALENDAR The Project staff noted during a visit The Project produced 143 skilled to the Nittavur DS division, that January – March facilitators (trainers) – 54 in the Mr. E.L.M. Abdul Salam, a former January Sinhala language and 89 in the participant of the FLO training Workshops on Disaster Tamil language from all three * programme had coordinated Management provinces. * Introduction of Disaster with the Disaster Management Imagination Games to DMC Until mid-December 2015, 62 Committee and the school principal February FLO training programmes were to organize an awareness Program * Study tour on bridge management for senior officials completed and 967 FLOs were on Disaster Management at the of the RDA and the Ministry of trained in all three provinces. Out Madina School. The Supervisor of Highways in Japan Mr. Salam said such a programme * Commencement of the of the total, 37% of FLOs were construction of Waste Water from Northern Province and 34% was essential for that area to Treatment Plant in Kandy and 29% of FLOs respectively prepare people for the rainy season. * Signing of Aide Memoir for Anuradhapura North from North Central and Eastern Mr. Salam is highly motivated Water Supply Project Phase II Provinces. The Project aims to and Kalu Ganga Water by the lessons he has learnt and Supply expansion Project reach the 1,800 FLOs target when * is now aware of the importance Football clinics by Kiba San at the current implementation phase Gampaha and Colombo of networking with relevant ends by March 2016. March government officers to use * Signing of the Loan Agreement Sustainability is built into the local resources for community for the expansion of the development activities. He Bandaranaike International project as facilitators are due to Airport conduct training programmes maintains strong relationships * Hosting of the Asian and enthusiasm to work with the Development Forum in Colombo Signing of the Record of community. Discussion for electricity sector master plan Project News September - DECEMBER 2015 • NUMBER 6 • SRI LANKA Page 3 Maritime Connectivity Key to South Asian Prosperity South Asia Discusses Key Findings of a JICA Survey

of South Asia, Mr. Toru Arai, The Secretary of the Ministry Director General of South Asia of National Policies and Department of JICA said in his Economic Affairs, Mr. M I M opening address. He reiterated Rafeek delivered a message JICA’s continued support to from the Minister and the achieve a win-win situation in H.E Ambassador of Japan the region. Mr. Kenichi Suganuma also addressed the participants. The Survey team in their presentation stated that the Since 1980, Colombo Port GDP of the South Asian region The “Seminar on JICA Survey has reached a level comparable has been developed with on Cross-Border Maritime to the ASEAN region and will both financial and technical Traffic in South Asia” held on experience a rapid expansion support from Japan, with 14-15 December 2015, discussed of consumption. A key point total assistance exceeding interim results of the “Data is the need to strengthen the Collection Survey on Cross- 78 Billion JPY, equivalent international transportation border Maritime Traffic in South to LKR 90 Billion at the trunk line network not only to Asia.” Ninety representatives current exchange rate. The enhance land transportation including senior officials from Seminar was co-hosted by within South Asia, but also Bangladesh, India, Pakistan the Japan International to improve the maritime and the SAARC Secretariat transportation through ports Cooperation Agency (JICA) participated in the seminar. and sea routes. This entails and the Ministry of National The strategic development reinforcing connectivity with Policies and Economic Affairs, of maritime transport land transportation through the Ministry of Ports and infrastructure in South Asia both “hard” and “soft” port Shipping and the Sri Lanka will play an important role infrastructure development. Ports Authority. in the formulation of supply chains in and out of Asia and also to support international business community planning to expand into the markets in South Asia and surrounding regions. “Maritime connectivity is a key to regional prosperity Project News September - DECEMBER 2015 • NUMBER 6 • SRI LANKA Page 4 “JDS”- A Unique Educational Experience

Mr. Arandara is attached to the Sri Lanka Administrative Service and is currently working as an Assistant Secretary in Charge of Development and Special Projects at the Presidential Secretariat. He followed the 2-year Masters Degree program at the International University of Japan majoring in Public Policy and Public Finance. His study focus was on “The Effects of Child Friendly Schools: Evidence from a School Mr. Mayura Arandara, delivers the valedictorian speech at his Renovation Program in Sri graduation in Japan. Lanka.” His study evaluates the “Yesterday, it seemed as if analytical skills necessary to effectiveness and impact of the today would never come, but clearly identify the issues and Child Friendly Schools Program we finally graduated after find solutions for formulating of the government on Student spending two memorable better policies. I also should Enrollment in Sri Lanka, a case and fruitful years in Japan, mention that, the interactions study on the Sabaragamuwa which I treasure as a very with other International Province. Mr Arandara unique experience and a students who were also key currently works on four (4) rare opportunity given to me officers of other developed and national programs of the by JICA.” said Mr. Mayura developing countries enriched Government on Environmental Arandara, a Japanese Human our knowledge on development Conservation, Drug Prevention, Resource Development models of the world. This was a Food Production, and Chronic Scholarship (JDS) holder at rare opportunity that could be Kidney Disease Prevention. the reporting session of the 4th gained only through a program batch of JDS fellows. like JDS. ” Speaking of the exposure in Japan, Mr Arandara said “it The Japanese Grant Aid for Human Resource Development was one of the best decisions Scholarship (JDS) Program I have made to study in Japan Scheme: Grant Assistance for a Masters degree in this Cooperation Period; 2014-2019 (phase 11) relevant field. My professors in Objective: Development of capacity of government officers involved in Japan were well experienced development and execution of policies and plans and is designed to contribute to and qualified and they guided the promotion of economic growth in Sri Lanka. us and gave us sufficient Intake: 15 Masters Degree full Scholarships annually and in total 60 scholarships knowledge and confidence to will be offered during the Cooperation Period handle future development Current courses of Study: 1) Public Policy and Public Finance; 2) Economics challenges in our country. This including Development Economics; 3) Business Management; and 4) Environmental Management, Disaster Management and Climate Change. widened our horizons and also contributed to improving our Project News September - DECEMBER 2015 • NUMBER 6 • SRI LANKA Page 5 Bridging the Bridges Mr. Vasanthakumar, Acting Deputy Director (BM&AU, RDA) on Proper Bridge Maintenance

will go a long way to contribute to the economic development of the country.

Twelve engineers have been assigned from the RDA to work with the expert team. These engineers underwent training in Japan for a period of two weeks in the Japanese system of Bridge Maintenance and Assessment. The Western, Central and Southern Provinces are the sample provinces for this study. The data collection “RDA BMAU engineers at training in Japan will be completed in the sample under the technical cooperation project” provinces during the project. Local staff will cover the balance Bridges are the most expensive and Diagnosis Manuals and a 6 provinces after receiving the and important component in a Bridge Management System appropriate training from the highway network as the failure during this study. By the JICA Experts. of a bridge results in a loss in completion of this project, the connectivity that in turn leads to RDA will be in a position to The RDA will receive a bridge reduced economic activity in a prioritize the maintenance of inspection vehicle, pole cameras country. In response to a formal bridges in on the basis and necessary equipments request by the Government of of the technical evaluation. Once for the detailed inspection of Sri Lanka, the Government of proper maintenance procedures bridges. The aim is to develop Japan is currently providing are put into operation based on a similar system as in Japan Technical Assistance through the evaluations, sudden failures to suit the local conditions JICA to develop a proper Bridge of bridges will be arrested. This with the readily available local Maintenance and Assessment resources. System in Sri Lanka.

This three-year project commenced in November 2014. An expert team from JICA commenced their consultancy services in February 2015. The newly formed Bridge Maintenance and Assessment Unit (BM&AU) is functioning under the Road Development Authority (RDA)’s Director, Engineering Services. The team Collapsed Bridge No. 30/2 on Mallawapitiya - Rambadagalla - will prepare Bridge Inspection Keppitigalla Road (B264) Project News September - DECEMBER 2015 • NUMBER 6 • SRI LANKA Page 6 Learning from Japan Management of Water Supply Services

Participants at the Oguchi Reservoir in Japan

Participants from Sri Lanka installations and preparation of and the implementation of water and other regional countries improvement plans. These gave quality management tools. gained a valuable learning participants an opportunity to experience from the “Water learn how best to implement The foundation laid by JICA to supply administration for better water supply administration implement a NRW Reduction management of water supply and technologies in their own Program in Colombo had been services” program organized countries. accelerated and the lessons by JICA and held in Japan learnt will result in better from 8th to 21st November The Sri Lankan participants outcomes. The implementation 2015. Japan has accumulated found the methodologies of water quality management a vast store of knowledge and were directly applicable to the tools, especially the principles experience in establishing National Water Supply and of Water Safety Plans (WSPs), variety of reservoirs, advance Drainage Board (NWSDB), will help to enhance the quality water treatment plants with which is the sole authority for of water supplied to consumers. different types of intakes and providing potable water and NWSDB is aware of the novel distribution systems. The sewerage services in the country. pollution of water sources from exceptionally well-structured Significant among these were liquid and solid wastes as well as training program included the Non-Revenue Water from fertilizers, pesticides and lectures, country presentations, (NRW) Reduction Strategies; weedicides. This grave situation discussions; field visits to key prioritizing needs and funding, is addressed by currently contd. page 7 Project News September - DECEMBER 2015 • NUMBER 6 • SRI LANKA Page 7 enforcing WSPs for all major the Millennium Development JICA is supporting and water supply systems with Goal 7 (MDG) Target, for Water contributing immensely to the the cooperation of all relevant Supply and Sanitation coverage. development of the water sector stakeholders. These WSPs will in Sri Lanka with ODA loans, ensure the safety of water from We were highly impressed with Technical Cooperation Projects, the catchment to the consumer the hospitality, punctuality, Grant Aids and SME partnership while ensuring, protecting politeness and rich culture of programs and training. and improving catchments. the Japanese people. They are The learning from this course well disciplined, hardworking We extend our wholehearted in Japan will help NWSDB to and Japan is a safe heaven. appreciation to JICA, the accelerate the current water During the stay we enjoyed Government of Japan and supply program to cover the and experimented with the especially to the people of Japan. whole island and effectively delicious food and learned implement sustainable about the Japanese culture. solutions. The opportunity to learn with Japanese participants is a Sri Lanka is on track for unique experience and greatly achieving the Sustainable encouraged us. Water supply Development Goal (SDG) No. in each prefecture of Japan is 6: Ensure access to water and managed independently and is sanitation for all by year 2030. equivalent to the management The present pipe borne water of a country’s water services. supply coverage in Sri Lanka is Capacity building of 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 45 % while the total safe water administration, management coverage is 2.785 %. NWSDB’s2.9 3.1and operation3.3 and maintenance3.5 3.7 3.9 target######### is to achieve######### a total #########pipe of our######### water supply######### facilities######### in a ######### borne water supply coverage similar manner will immensely Eng. K.A. Ansar of 60 % in year 2020 for which contribute to expanding the Chairman a comprehensive strategy has services of safe drinking water been already formulated. Sri to benefit more of our people National Water Supply & Lanka has already achieved Drainage Board Sri Lanka

Water Supply Expansion No of Connections Mn 74.6 72.2 Coverage % 69.8 66.8 4.5 63.9 60.7 3.9 4.0 3.7 57.2 3.5 3.3 3.5 3.1 2.9 3.0 2.7 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Project News September - DECEMBER 2015 • NUMBER 6 • SRI LANKA Page 8 JICA Partners LBR LBO Infrastructure Summit 2015

viable projects would attract private investors reducing the burden on government financing, while those with high economic returns would require public investment. Dr. Taira’s presentation focused on the role of concessionary financing in realizing public infrastructure projects. Long term, low interest sovereign loans such as those that JICA provides, enable Governments firstly to undertake high cost- high risk projects with high economic viability such as public transport infrastructure Dr. Yasushi Taira, Senior Representative of JICA Sri Lanka (extreme right) and secondly to catalyze at the Infrastructure Summit 2015 private investment through providing a commercially viable foundation. Aditionally, they Dr. Yasushi Taira, Senior The Summit discussions empower high performing state Representative of JICA Sri focused on the vision for the owned enterprises through sub- Lanka, was a keynote speaker future city of Colombo, its sovereign financing, and levels at the LBR LBO Infrastructure opportunities and challenges, the playing field through the Summit 2015 themed creating an advanced urban provision of infrastructure for “Making Colombo a Globally transportation system for broad based socio-economic Competitive City”. The Summit Colombo, investment strategies growth. brought together multiple and business models, and stakeholders in infrastructure adopting smart technologies. Dr. Taira’s full presentation as development eco-system: well as other Summit resources relevant Government agencies, Colombo still needs are available on the Summit investors, international improvement of some major website at financing institutes, service and infrastructure – foremost in See Dr. Taira’s presentation: technology providers, academia, public transport – to take “Role of Concessional Finance” industry chambers and other the step towards becoming at: relevant parties. It provided a a truly competitive city. Government of Sri Lanka has platform to discuss and debate http://www. to decide among the different opportunities and challenges lankabusinessonline.com/ financing and investment in infrastructure development wp-content/documents/PPT/ instruments, the appropriate in Sri Lanka towards positively IS2015-Session 4 Investment ones fitting the context of influencing government policy. Staretgis Role of Concessional each project. Financially Finance Yasushi Taira JICA.pdf Project News September - DECEMBER 2015 • NUMBER 6 • SRI LANKA Page 9 SATREPS’ Final Workshop in Kandy

The SATREPS (Science the technical session. Project institute coordinating jointly and Technology Research core-members presented the with the Faculty of Engineering, Partnership for Sustainable results of SATREP activities Department of Agricultural Development) project titled and made proposals for future Engineering and Department “Development of Pollution implementation. There was a of Sociology of the University. Control and Environment lively dialogue with audience. The other partners in Sri Restoration Technologies of Lanka were the University of Waste Landfill Sites Taking SATREPS project is due to Ruhuna, National Solid Waste into Account Geographical terminate soon. Not only were Management Support Centre, Characteristics of Sri Lanka” all the individual Sri Lankan Institute of Fundamental began in April 2011. The Project members keen on continuing Studies and the Central has operated successfully for the SATREP activities and the Environmental Authority. The 5 years. The final workshop study after the project closes Japanese partners were the was held on 8th March 2016 in but also the Ministry of Higher Saitama University and the Kandy with the participation Education and Highways, Waseda University. of the Japanese and Sri Mahaweli Development Lankan experts in solid waste and Environment and Local Among the participants were management. Authorities and Provincial Prof. Upul B. Dissanayake, Councils were eager to do so. the Vice Chancellor of The project aimed to assess All organizations promised University of Peradeniya, Mr. the current situation of the to cooperate fully to develop A. B. Illangasinghe, Director existing open dumping sites better solutions for future waste of National Solid Waste and to develop new site- management in Sri Lanka. Management Support Centre specific pollution control and representatives of JICA Sri techniques. After the geo-/ JICA SATREPS project has Lanka office and many other bio-materials experiments been working with University representatives from relevant and field tests, the project of Peradeniya as the leading fields. formulated a set of guidelines, which contains sustainable waste dumping management and pollution control technique for the dumping sites of local authorities.

The main purpose of this workshop was to disseminate the outcome of the project after 5 years. The vice chancellor of the University of Peradeniya Prof. Upul B. Dissanayake, speaking on the occasion highlighted the importance of the sustainability of the project. Mr. R. M. S. K. Rathnayake and Opening of the laboratory at the Engineering Faculty, University of Mr. A. B. Illangasinghe chaired Peradeniya. Project News September - DECEMBER 2015 • NUMBER 6 • SRI LANKA Page 10 JICA Welcomes the 1,000th Volunteer

Amateur Baseball/Softball Association as a baseball coach. JICA initiated its volunteer programme in Sri Lanka in 1981 and over the years the service has expanded across the country. Volunteers work in numerous fields alongside Sri Lankan counterparts attached to host organisations. They eagerly share their wide experience and training to make a significant contribution not only to Sri Lanka’s development but also to build strong Japan-Sri Lanka relationships. Currently 72 volunteers are serving in the country including the 6 Senior volunteer Mr. Hideki Koyama (back row center) is the 1000 JICA volunteers who arrived on 1st Volunteer October 2015. Mr. Hideki Koyama, senior in Sri Lanka. He arrived on The website http://www. volunteer, had the honour of the 1st of October with 5 other meteo.gov.lk provides becoming the 1000 Volunteer in volunteers and was warmly maps visualizing textual the Japan Overseas Cooperation welcomed by JICA. Mr. Koyama information. Volunteers (JOCV) programme will be attached to the Sri Lanka Blood Donation, the Supreme Act of Charity

Two hundred and fifty deputizing for His Excellency (250) people donated 230 the Ambassador for Japan pints of blood at the Annual in Sri Lanka, the Chief Blood Donation Campaign Representative of JICA, in Sri organized by the JICA Alumni Lanka, Mr. Kiyoshi Amanda Association (JICA AA) for and his Deputy Mr. Hiroshi the year 2016. It was held at Hidaka were also present. the Blood Transfusion Centre at Narahenpita on the 23 Following this charitable January. act, everyone enjoyed the sumptuous breakfast, Minister and Deputy Head prepared by the wives of JICA of Mission, at the Embassy AA Committee members. Donors and Nurses at the Blood of Japan, Asako Okai, Transfusion Centre Project News September - DECEMBER 2015 • NUMBER 6 • SRI LANKA Page 11 Healthcare Camp Benefits Tangalle Residents

Over 1000 calibrated spectacles, JICA Alumni Association gifted by a Lions Club in France, (AA) of Sri Lanka was formed were issued at the camp. in 1973 with 23 members and has grown and developed Lenses of 80 of these spectacles will be changed in Colombo into a dynamic organization to suit the prescriptions of over 1300 members. issued by the eye doctors The Association started at the clinic. Sixty-five (65) humanitarian projects for patients identified for cataract the marginalized rural operations, were referred to the Hambantota Base Hospital, as communities in Sri Lanka, there is no eye operating theater Tangalle residents queue for treatment for which the Association has at the Tangalle Hospital. All garnered many accolades. necessary resources needed for cataract operations, were The 2015 annual Multi provided free to the patients. Service Health Camp held at Mahanaga Maha Vidyalaya Over 500 patients had their in Angunukolapalassa in blood sugar levels checked the Tangalle District helped at the diabetic clinic while many to receive free health 75 people were treated at the care. The doctors, ophthalmic dental clinic. Twenty (20) technicians, JICA Volunteers patients, who needed hearing and the supporting staff from aids, were referred to the Galle both JICA Alumni and Lions Hospital, as the Lions Club of Wellawatta West had donated A JICA Volunteer checks the eyes of Club of Wellawatta West Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera, The Hon. arrived at the school round analog digital hearing aids to Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic 8.30 in the morning of 21 the hospital to be issued free to Resources November 2015. They found the needy. many enthusiastic villagers had gathered at the school premises as early as 5 AM.

The estimated cost of holding this camp was over Rs. 5 Million. There were temporary clinics for 8 ophthalmic technicians to check patients, who were in need of spectacles; a clinic for the eye surgeons to identify patients who were in need of cataract operations; a diabetic clinic to check the blood sugar levels of patients and a dental Handing out calibrated spectacles clinic. 35Projectth Anniversary News of JOCV September - DECEMBER 2015 • NUMBER 6 • SRI LANKA Page 12

Contact Us Editor for JICA News from Sri Lanka Kiyoshi Amada, Chief Representative, JICA Sri Lanka.

JICA Sri Lanka Office 10th & 13th Floors, DHPL Building, No. 42, Nawam Mawatha, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka.

Tel: (+94) 011–2300470 Fax: (+94) 011–2303692 Email: [email protected] Web: www.jica.go.jp/srilanka/english/index.html https://www.facebook.com/jicasrilanka http://www.youtube.com/user/JICASriLankaOffice