Header

Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Over Rs. 2,180m Spent to Clear Landmines Last Year

DURING 2009 the Government had spent Rs 2,180 million to clear landmines in the North and East, Economic Development Ministry Media Director Kapila Ariyarathna told the Daily News yesterday.

He further said up to May this year the Government had conducted 17,654 educational programs on landmines and explosive devices to the people in the North and East.

The Sri Lanka Army had expedited the de-mining process with 1,050 Army personnel deployed in the risky process which consumes time and energy while another six NGOs participating in the process. In addition to the Army personnel another 2013 officers from NGOs took part in the de-mining process he explained.

Economic Development Ministry had bought 29 flail machines that were used in clearing the landmines and the land area that was cleared was around 113 square kilometers, Ariyarathna said.

The Government's aim was to clear the landmines and explosive devices in the Mullaitivu, Mannar and Kilinochchi areas and resettle the internally displaced persons as soon as possible he noted. (Courtesy: Daily News)