Demining operations enter final stage

The presidential task force for the development of the Northern Province says the demining programme in the north has reached the final stage now.

The Secretary of the presidential task force S.B. Divaratne told state-run radio Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation that the demining employees risked their lives and had to face enormous difficulties since the Tamil Tigers had strewn landmines of many kinds in every nook and corner in the north.

The government has spent Rs. 650 million in demining operations so far, he said, adding that 15 flail machines were imported for deployment in demining operations in the Northern Province.

The Secretary of the presidential task force praised the Sri Lanka Army for their remarkable service in demining operations.  Resettled families are now engaged in agricultural and other routing activities without fear of landmines, he noted.

Meanwhile, troops and demining groups continue to find buried mines and explosives in former conflict zones.  Troops engaged in demining operations in the East recovered 325 anti-personnel mines, 2 hand grenades, 2 trap guns, and 2 40-mm grenade launcher bombs on Friday while the demining groups in the North recovered 249 anti-personnel mines, one claymore mine, 2 60-mm mortar bombs and 3 hand grenades.