The European Commission announced on Wednesday, August 14, €8.5 million to support Sri Lanka's efforts to prevent violent extremism, build community resilience and promote peace and tolerance.
These funds, from the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace, will also contribute to the ongoing peacebuilding process through internally displaced persons and refugees being able to return to their land.
The aid will follow a three-pronged approach. First, it will enable Sri Lankan policy-makers, competent authorities and the security and judicial branches to prevent and respond to terrorist threats and attacks in a human rights compliant manner.
In addition, the funds will focus on the prevention of violent extremism and will help local stakeholders to develop and disseminate positive awareness campaigns, notably via partnerships with global social media actors.
Finally, this assistance will contribute to the last stages of mine clearance in the three northern districts of Sri Lanka, and focus on peacebuilding to reinforce national cohesion and reconciliation. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)