Australia donates demining machines
Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE
The Australian Government yesterday donated five demining machines
that would further accelerate demining operations in the North.
The consignment of de-mining equipment including five "Bozena +4"
demining machines and spare parts valued at Rs. 272 million was handed
over by Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Kathy Klugman to Human
Rights and Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe. Twenty
four demining machines are in operation and with the latest addition
there are 29 machines deployed to rid North of landmines planted by the
LTTE during the separatist war.
The equipment will substantially increase the Government's capacity
to clear mines in the North, enabling displaced people to return at the
earliest to their native lands to re-establish their lives. The
Australian Government donated the machines following a request made by
Senior Advisor to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Task
Force on Resettlement, Development and Security former MP Basil
Rajapaksa. These machines, will be deployed in the de-mining operations
through the de-mining Unit of the Nation Building and Estate
Infrastructure Development Ministry.
The Government has already resettled around 180,000 IDPs in their
original habitats and another 100,000 IDPs are awaiting resettlement.
Prior to resettlement de-mining is a must as the Government always
considers the safety of the people as a priority issue, Minister
Samarasinghe said.
"The Government is not only resettling IDPs but also wants to ensure
they live a normal and peaceful life" the Minister added.
"De-mining is essential to the resettlement, reconstruction and
recovery efforts in the North. Australia has listened carefully to the
Government's needs in the area and I am pleased that today we have been
able to make this important contribution.
equipment will make a real difference to the lives of thousands of
displaced people waiting to return to their villages and homes," High
Commissioner Klugman said. |
