Demining process expedited

Chaminda PERERA

The Government has expedited the demining process in a bid to complete the resettlement in the Mullaitivu, Mannar, Killinochchi and Vavuniya districts . Special focus has been given to the Mullaitivu district.

The Economic Development Ministry has provided all infrastructure facilities including demining machines to military personnel involved in these activities.

A land area of 1,111 square kilometers has already been cleared of mines and booby traps by soldiers using mechanical and manual methods. Over 1,050 soldiers have been deployed for these activities.

The Economic Development Ministry has provided 29 Flail machines to detect land mines and other unexploded devices in areas formerly held by the terrorists. Eight sniffer dogs have been trained to detect land mines and booby traps in areas where the mechanics cannot be deployed.

Several international organizations in coordination with a local organization have been involved in the demining in selected areas in the Northern province. These organizations have deployed more than 2,100 officers in the demining activities.

The Government allocated Rs 2,180 million for the demining last year and conducted 17,654 workshops to educate the people in the areas dotted with land mines and booby traps with the assistance of UNESCO.