As per the requirements of the Environmental and Social Management Framework, the awareness and consultation of Project Affected People (PAP) and Stakeholders are an integral part of the Reduction of Landslide Vulnerability by Mitigation Measures Project (RLVMMP) under the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) financing. An awareness of PAP was conducted on 22nd November 2024 for Primary and Secondary Tamil Schools, Ratnapura which are rectified under RLVMMP. The principal, teachers, students, and parents participated in the program alongside the officers from the Project Management Unit of the NBRO, the officer in charge of the Ratnapura district office/Landslide Research & Risk Management Division/NBRO, and the representatives of RR Construction (Pvt) Ltd; the contractor of the mitigation site. The program started with a welcome speech by the Deputy Principal. The role of NBRO in landslide assessments, early warning, and an overview of the RLVMMP was presented by Mr.Laksiri Indrathilaka Senior Geologist/NBRO/RLVMMP. The Environmental and Social aspects of the project were presented by Mrs. Madara Dissanayake, Senior scientist/NBRO /Senior Environmental safeguard specialist of RLVMMP, and a presentation of Health and Safety aspects, Traffic Management, and Grievance Redress Mechanism was done by Mr. Hudson Silva/ Senior Social Safeguard Specialist of RLVMMP. The Environmental and Social Officer of the contractor then presented their approach in site-specific environmental and social management to assure the safety of the school population and buildings and the associated environment.
The majority of school children, teachers, and parents are Tamil speakers, the all the presentations were translated to Tamil by Mrs Savitha Rathnayake, Senior Engineer, NBRO/ QA QC Engineer RLVMMP. By presenting both Sinhala and Tamil we could give a good understanding of the project for Tamil speakers. This is the first time, that used both official languages for this awareness. The principal, teachers, and students showed active participation and the program was highly appreciated by the school community. This cultural sensitivity will help to build relationships in gaining community support and achieving project objectives and avoid any unintentional misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the project.
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