Sri Lanka can wrap-up demining soon - UN Resident Representative
“Sri Lanka has achieved excellent results in the demining programme.
The country can complete demining process soon in continuing the present
institutional setup and machinery, said United Nation’s Resident
Representative Subine Nandy at the progress review meeting of the
National Mine Action Programme.
The meeting was held at the Economic Development Ministry under the
patronage of minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday.
Nandy said Sri Lanka could progress well in the mine clearing
operation due to the well coordinated efforts by the Economic
Development Ministry through the mine Action Centre. The center was able
to bring together donors, demining organizations, government
institutions and people employed under the programme and well manage the
process.
“The works carried out by the Ministry and the centre in this
humanitarian movement is tremendous and now Sri Lanka can share its
demining experience with other countries”, he said. Minister Basil
Rajapaksa said the progress made by the country in demining helped to
expedite reconstruction and resettlement works and initiate numerous
development programmes in the conflict affected area. Initially, 2,061
square kilometres were confirmed as hazardous areas contaminated with
mines, booby traps including IDS and other explosive.
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