COLOMBO, September 9, 2009: The United States Pacific Command is providing training and equipment to the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) to assist its demining efforts. This training will build additional SLA capacity to clear mines in the Northern Province and expedite the safe return of displaced people to their homes and livelihoods. The training is being conducted at the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering (SLSME) at Embilipitiya. The U.S. team is sharing its experiences and best practices in humanitarian demining with Sri Lanka Army Engineer instructors who will then conduct demining training for the Sri Lanka Army. The U.S. also donated personal protection equipment (vest and visors) and deminer equipment (deminer tool set and mine lab F3 detectors). The equipment provided will remain in the SLSME to train future SLA personnel for demining efforts in Sri Lanka and future UN peacekeeping operations. The total cost for the humanitarian demining program provided to the SLA is valued over $100,000. This program is in addition to the $6.6 million the U.S. has recently contributed toward demining activities in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. (A Press Release)
