§ Mr. KaufmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the scope, nature and extent of the aid(a)which has been made available to the Government of Sri Lanka during the past five years and (b)which is currently being made available.[18870]
§ Dr. Liam FoxThe ODA has provided more than £42 million to Sri Lanka during the past five years.
Our assistance helps to tackle national environmental problems; improve the quality of education, particularly at primary level; promote good government; and alleviate poverty. It has included a significant programme assisting internally displaced people of all ethnic origins who are affected by the civil conflict, which is channelled through Oxfam and Save the Children Fund. Last month, my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development approved a new £4 million phase of this programme. Support has also been provided through the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
In the current financial year, we expect to spend around £6 million.