A significant step towards economic independence, sustainable livelihoods, and new opportunities for women artisans in Northern Sri Lanka.
A new opportunity is taking shape for women in Mannar, Northern Sri Lanka.
On 29 October 2026, the Government of Japan signed a grant agreement worth USD 97,371 (approximately LKR 32 million) to support the establishment of a Local Products Manufacturing and Sales Centre in Mannar District.
The project, undertaken with Sivanarul Hope, will strengthen the Palms Together programme and its work with women artisans in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka.
For women whose livelihoods depend on uncertain and seasonal sources of income, this initiative represents an opportunity to develop new skills, create locally made products, and work towards greater financial independence.
A Partnership Built Around Opportunity
The grant agreement was signed by His Excellency Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and Mr. Shardkunniyamoorthy Kamalamoorthy, Secretary of Sivanarul Hope, under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) scheme.
The GGP programme supports community-level development initiatives based on Japan’s principle of human security, with an emphasis on helping vulnerable people live with dignity and security.
Through this assistance, a new centre will be established in Mannar to manufacture and sell locally produced goods, creating opportunities for women to participate in sustainable economic activities.
Turning Local Resources into Sustainable Livelihoods
Mannar is home to the palmyra palm, a familiar part of the region’s natural and cultural landscape.
Through this project, women will have opportunities to learn handicraft-making skills using materials sourced from local palmyra trees.
The planned manufacturing and sales centre aims to provide a place where these skills can be developed into income-generating activities, connecting traditional craftsmanship with opportunities for economic participation.
The initiative is particularly important for women whose existing livelihoods rely on unstable income from primary industries.
By supporting skills development and access to sales opportunities, the project aims to help women build more reliable sources of income and strengthen their financial independence.
Strengthening the Palms Together Programme
The grant will also support the continued development of the Palms Together programme and its work with women artisans in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
The programme’s connection to local palmyra resources creates an opportunity to bring together traditional knowledge, practical skills, and livelihood development.
This is about more than producing handicrafts. It is about helping women gain the skills and opportunities needed to support themselves and their families.
Acknowledging the Government and People of Japan
During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Isomata reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to development assistance in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern Provinces, highlighting the relationship between economic development and national reconciliation.
Japan has supported the region through initiatives involving infrastructure, basic human needs, agriculture, fisheries, women’s empowerment, and demining.
Speaking on behalf of Sivanarul Hope, Secretary Mr. Shardkunniyamoorthy Kamalamoorthy expressed sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their generous assistance and to the Embassy of Japan for its confidence in the project.
The support marks an important milestone for the planned centre and the women it aims to serve.
Looking Towards a More Independent Future
The grant agreement marks the beginning of an important new phase.
As the project moves towards implementation, its purpose remains clear: to help women develop practical skills, create valuable local products, and access more stable livelihood opportunities.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Japan, the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, and everyone involved in bringing this initiative forward.
Together, initiatives such as this can help create a future in which more women have the opportunity to build livelihoods with confidence, independence, and dignity.
Source: Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, 29 October 2026.