EU Grants € 2.6 Mn (Rs. 970 Mn) to Boost Civic Participation and Accountability 🇪🇺

The European Union has committed a € 2.6 million (approx. Rs. 970 million) grant for the "Together We Rise" initiative. This three-year program aims to strengthen civil society, enhance transparency, and improve governance across nine districts in Sri Lanka. • Core Funding & Scope The project targets an reach of 701,100 people and will support 50 civil society organisations (CSOs). It includes capacity-building for 350+ CSO staff and engagement with 250 social activists and government policymakers. • Sectoral Focus & Development The initiative prioritizes inclusive development, specifically targeting women-led and youth-led organizations. Key areas of intervention include governance, financial management, digital capacity, and gender equity. This aligns with addressing critical gaps, such as the 34.5% youth unemployment rate recorded in 2025. • Regional & Social Impact Focus is placed on underserved and conflict-affected areas. Small grants will be issued to CSOs to implement localized development plans, fostering long-term sustainability and helping marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities, access rights and economic opportunities. • Strategic Collaboration Implemented by World Vision and SAFE Foundation, the project establishes platforms for dialogue between the public sector and civil society to support national advocacy and policy engagement. 📈