Sri Lanka Supporting Regional Governance Program (SURG); January – March 2009 Quarterly Report

by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The program aimed to build on USAID's democracy and governance efforts to address development needs resulting from the ongoing conflict. SuRG focused on regional governance in the Eastern province and Polonnaruwa district through four program components: social equity, local governance, community empowerment and transformation, and open dialogue. Implementation of the program involved intertwining activities that reinforced governance improvements and enhanced human and community security. The program's progress during the January to March 2009 quarter included the awarding of grants to support various projects. A grant of Sri Lankan Rupees (SL. Rs) 3,538,000 was awarded for the "Support for War Affected Widows and Human Rights Education in Trincomalee District" project, while a grant of SL Rs. 12,553,250 was awarded to the "Building Muslim Consensus" project. SuRG also supported the development of aspiring journalists through the awarding of SuRG Journalism Scholarships to 17 individuals. These scholars attended the Sri Lanka College of Journalism 2009 Diploma Programme, with the scholarships being presented to recipients by the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka at the College's opening ceremony. Additionally, SuRG opened its third office in Ampara, further expanding its presence in the region. The program also facilitated community empowerment and transformation through a proposal development workshop held for representatives from seven organizations in the Eastern province. An Annual Program Statement for grants to organizations based in the Eastern province and Polonnaruwa district was developed and distributed, while a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by SuRG and 11 year one partner local authorities at a SuRG workshop on Community Participation and Local Governance. SuRG's efforts during the January to March 2009 quarter demonstrated its commitment to supporting regional governance and enhancing human and community security in Sri Lanka. The program's activities aimed to address development needs resulting from the ongoing conflict and promote governance improvements in the Eastern province and Polonnaruwa district.