This AusAID project funding has enabled major institutional strengthening in the Sewalanka’s Batticaloa District Office. The Batticaloa Office opened in 2001 but due to local difficulties and internal problems it had not become fully operational until April last year.

Since the funding has arrived the office has steadily increased its operational capacity, established relationships with government departments and non-government organisations and entered into a constructive dialogue with the LTTE during the past twelve months.

This growth will continue into 2004 as Sewalanka is preparing to expand its staff capacity and begin work with three new donor partners.