Sri Lanka Army to declare country free from mines and explosives by 2022

The Sri Lanka Army Humanitarian Demining Unit (SLAHDU) of the Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) are working towards the complete demining of the country by the end of 2022.

The SLADHU, the only the government entity to carry out demining operations has to-date cleared 886.19 sq km out 1316.65 sq km, identified as hazardous in the north. All other international and local non-governmental agencies/organizations (INGOs) have so far cleared about 417.12 sq km. Only13.34 sq km need to be cleared before Sri Lanka can declare itself a mine free country.

SLADHU has so far recovered 99,727 Anti-Personnel Mines, 223 Anti-Tank Mines and 42,919 unexploded ordnance.

The progress of the ongoing demining project was reviewed by Major General Nihal Amarasekera, Chief Field Engineer and Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Engineers, together with demining site Commanders during a recent conference at Boo Oya Field Engineer Brigade HQ.

They visited demining sites in Mullaittivu, Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts with the Commander of the Field Engineer Brigade, Brigadier Dumidu Jayasinghe and officers at Regional Mine Action Office. Afterwards, the Chief Field Engineer observed ongoing demining operations in Muhamalai and Palaly.

During these field visits, the Chief Field Engineer highlighted the importance of reaching the national target by increasing existing demining capacities as advised by the Commander of the Army.