Demining: Majority Of Uncleared Areas Located In Mullaitivu

Seventy four percent of 64 square kilometres of remaining areas with land mines are in Mullaitivu district, said District Secretary Rupavati Kediswaran.

She made this observation in an inquiry regarding HALO Trust, a non-governmental organization which had taken steps to demine bombs during next two years.

Through demining in Mullaitivu for two consecutive years, Sri Lanka would be able to dream of seeing a country free of landmines by 2020, Kediswaran said.

Demining allows authorities to expedite resettlement of war refugees, farmers to cultivate paddy lands without any risk and people in Mullaitivu district could lead their normal lives without fear, said District Secretary.

Sri Lanka Chief of HALO Trust, Damien O’Brien said that demining process in Sri Lanka could be accelerated if rich countries provide assistance considering demining as a humanitarian activity.

He also pointed out that everyone should cooperate to complete the target set by Geneva Convention to free Sri Lanka of landmines by 2020.