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| Wednesday, 29 December 2004 |
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by A. G. Piyadasa The Ministry of Relief Rehabilitation and Reconciliation says that Sri Lanka will be mine free by the end of the year 2006. The Senior Advisor to the Ministry Dr. A. S. Kunasingham said there are about 13 countries and organisations engaged in funding the de-mining programme Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, United Kingdom, USA, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, Denmark, UNDP and UNICEF. In the North and East the total de-mining area in square metres is 1,271,189. The total mines removed up to now is 47,437. Dr. Kunasingham also says that it is estimated that there are more than 1.5 million mines in the war affected areas and 640 villagers have been affected by mines. He also said that while the entire country suffered from the consequences of the conflict, the districts of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Ampara, have borne the brunt of the conflict. There are about ten organisations engaged in the de-mining programme at the field level among them Sri Lanka Army, Humanitarian De-mining Unit, Danish De-mining Unit, Norwegian People Aid, Swiss Foundation for Mine Action, Mines Advisory Group, Halo Trust, The Japan Centre for Conflict Prevention, Horizon and Sarvatra. A National Steering Committee for Mine Action (NSCMA) has been established in Colombo, which is chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation. Further, there are co-ordinating committees in these districts, which are chaired by the respective Government Agents. These committees are the focal points of the Mine Action Programme in the districts. UNDP and UNCHR technically assist the programme. |
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