18 mobile libraries to IDP camps’ children - A goodwill gesture from Japanese in Lanka

As a gesture of goodwill from Japanese residents and Japanese companies operating in Sri Lanka, they will jointly provide 18 sets of mobile libraries with picture books called Alipancha to the to pre-schools in Menik Farms in the Northern Province, with the assistance of the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare.

The mobile libraries will be soon be handed over the Northern Province Governor, Major General G. A. Chandrasiri.

The Japanese Embassy in Colombo in a release said that they have discussed among Japanese residents what would be the best method to express their goodwill to the people in the affected regions, and they later chosen to provide a series of books focused on children. They have also mentioned “We believe the future of Sri Lanka depends upon children.”

The Book series is intended to provide non-stressful experiences with picture books that allow children to explore and develop their language and literacy skills as well as promote multicultural understanding. With the “Alipancha” mobile library, children can borrow each picture book for a few days to read at home. It is hoped that this will also promote parent-child interaction.

“Reconciliation and integration of Sri Lanka may start from the sense of being one nation and it is important this feeling is shared with the children in IDP camps.” Mr. Kato says. “Although our contribution is limited in terms of volume, we would be more than happy if this could contribute even in a small way to efforts of Sri Lankan people in that direction.”

The following are the Japanese bodies and companies that have come forward to contribute for the future-building of the war-torn children: Japanese Solidarity Association is a voluntary group consisting of about 200 Japanese nationals residing in Sri Lanka, and its objective is to foster mutual friendship and promote friendship between the two countries. Japanese Commerce and Industry Association, with a membership of over 50 Japanese companies operating in Sri Lanka, works towards promoting business relations between Japanese and Sri Lankan companies.

- Asian Tribune -