Japan pledges USD 2.66 million for climate resilience and gender equality projects in Sri Lanka

By Charithya Kumarasiri

Colombo, April 22 (Daily Mirror) - The Government of Japan has announced USD 2.66 million in funding for two new development projects in Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening climate resilience and promoting gender equality in vulnerable communities.

The initiatives, introduced under Japan’s Japanese Supplementary Budget (JSB), will be implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Sri Lanka, supporting sustainable recovery and inclusive development.

The first project, titled “Net-Zero, Nature-Positive Dairy – Climate-Smart Dairy Value Chains through Energy Transition & Nature-Based Solutions,” has been allocated USD 1.5 million. It seeks to establish a climate-smart dairy ecosystem by integrating green technologies, sustainable farming practices and market-driven solutions.

The project is expected to directly benefit around 750 smallholder farmers and indirectly reach over 5,000 individuals, including youth agri-entrepreneurs, veterinary officers and local milk collectors. It will focus on climate-vulnerable districts such as Kilinochchi and Nuwara Eliya, with special attention to women and youth, aiming to reduce emissions, improve dairy productivity and promote renewable energy-based agricultural practices.

The second initiative, “Gender Responsive Advancement and Operational Enhancement of Women Deminers in the Northern and Eastern Provinces,” is valued at USD 1.16 million. It will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Sri Lanka.

Targeting districts such as Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu—where vulnerability levels are estimated at around 70% and 72% respectively, according to UNDP data—the project aims to strengthen the role of women in mine action. It will enhance the operational capacity of women deminers through advanced technologies, improving the efficiency and precision of land clearance.

The initiative is also expected to support safer resettlement, facilitate livelihood recovery and promote gender equality in the Northern and Eastern regions affected by past conflict, disasters and economic challenges.

Overall, the two projects are expected to strengthen livelihoods, improve human security and support Sri Lanka’s transition towards a climate-resilient and inclusive economy, while contributing to long-term net-zero development goals.