Australia extends Rs. 480 m as mine clearance support

The Australian Government has released Rs. 480 million (A$4.25 million) to Sri Lanka for demining actions in the country. This additional funding was released in conjunction with the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, observed on 4 April.

This additional funding will enable local and international demining agencies to continue accelerated mine surveys, clearance and mine risk education in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. It will also support mine action coordination activities led by the Sri Lanka National Mine Action Centre.

In November 2009, during a visit to Sri Lanka, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith MP announced Australia’s commitment to helping the Government of Sri Lanka to achieve its goal of a mine free nation by 2020.

Australia’s most recent contribution of Rs. 480 million builds on assistance valued at approximately Rs. 1.4 billion (A$14 million) provided over the last two years, including the procurement of much needed equipment for mine clearance activities. Australian funding so far has enabled more than 70 square kilometres of land to be released for resettlement.

Australia’s contribution recognises the critical need to help displaced people to return home safely and to re-establish their livelihoods in their places of origin.

Australia’s support to mine action remains a key component of its overall support for reconstruction and rehabilitation activities in the north. Dignified return and recovery of communities in the north will be crucial for long-term peace and stability in Sri Lanka.

Some 30 years of conflict in Sri Lanka left the Northern Province severely contaminated with landmines, UXO and Improvised Explosive Devices. Almost two years after the end of the war, about 506 square kilometres remain to be demined. Despite significant progress on demining, the presence of landmines and explosive remnants of war is one factor that continues to restrict the safe return and resettlement of people to their communities of origin.

Demining is also a critical component in restoring livelihoods in the Northern Province, as 80% of these communities depend on agriculture as their main source of income. Australia remains committed to support the demining effort in Sri Lanka.