Demining expedited for early resettlement

JAYASIRI MUNASINGHE

The Government has initiated the demining process to expedite resettlement of displaced people in their original habitats under the Uthuru Wasanthaya program. Demining and removing of booby traps along the A 32 highways is in progress, Presidential Advisor and former IGP Chandra Fernando said.

According to Fernando, troops have recovered over 527 anti-personnel mines, two anti-tank mines and 29 other bombs from the area.

Over 16 anti-personnel mines and nine other bombs were found from the area where the famous rice bowl is situated.

The objective of the Uthuru Wasanthaya program is to ensure welfare, security and the development of people in the North. This program is conducted by the Government under the directive and close supervision of Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa who is also the Chairman of Presidential Task on Resettlement, Security and Development in the North.

Fernando said the Security Forces are engaged in mine clearance soon after the humanitarian mission to free civilians from the LTTE was completed.

“Their untiring effort to rebuild the North should be commended,” Fernando said.