Hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans are displaced across the island due to war past and present, and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
At least one million landmines are estimated to have been laid by both sides during the conflict, with mines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) remaining a serious obstacle to economic reconstruction and the resettlement of people displaced by fighting.
The range of activities undertaken by MAG in 2008: |
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A deminer marks a suspected area... |
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...before clearance can be undertaken. |
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The Bozena B4 mechanical flail helps to prepare ground and rapidly verify suspected areas. |
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Clearance activities are supported by the Community Liaison teams, seen here providing safety messages to members of a local community. [Photos: MAG Sri Lanka] |
MAG’s principle impact in Sri Lanka in 2008 was to facilitate the resettlement of internally displaced persons, supporting the safe return of families to former conflict areas and encouraging economic regeneration.
Cleared land enables returned communities to engage in activities such as cattle-grazing and agriculture, as well as traditional vocations such as cane-cutting, brick-building and fishing.
Activities
During 2008, MAG Sri Lanka’s activities were undertaken from its operational base in Batticaloa. MAG is currently undertaking resource planning to respond to emerging needs in other areas of the country.
Manual clearance:
MAG’s manual teams (funded by the Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State) completed clearance of 29,366m2 in 2008 (1,081m2 in December) using the 'raking' method.
The teams also completed 2,307,389m2 of Battle Area Clearance (351,100m2 in December), removing 26 items of UXO and 12 mines over the course of the year.
Mechanical clearance:
The mechanical teams used Bozena B4 mechanical flails (purchased and supported by the government of Japan) in an integrated fashion with the manual clearance teams, undertaking ground preparation and verification of the low-risk areas.
The total area verified as safe by the flails during 2008 was 329,870m2. The mechanical teams identified and removed and/or destroyed 11 anti-personnel mines and two items of UXO.
Community Liaison:
MAG Sri Lanka's Community Liaison (CL) teams undertook post-clearance impact assessment and provided safety briefings within communities in Batticaloa District, supporting the clearance teams with data gathering. In total over 220 activities were undertaken in 2008.
The teams were funded by Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (Sida), Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (US Department of State), and Unicorn Grocery.
2009:
MAG is in preparation in order to respond to the expected mine and explosive ordnance contamination within the north of the country. In order to fully understand the threat and need within the region, a detailed yet rapid survey will be required to effectively plan the response required following the cessation of hostilities.
MAG welcomes the support of the Hurvis Foundation and DFID as new donors supporting the ongoing activities of MAG in 2009, who will support the team alongside Good Gifts, Kirby Laing Foundation and the Government of Japan.
Links:
- MAG Sri Lanka microsite
- Actiefonds Mijnen Ruimen [external site]
- Department for International Development, UK Government [external site]
- Good Gifts [external site]
- Jersey Overseas Aid [external site]
- Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State [external site]
- Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (Sida) [external site]
- Unicorn Grocery [external site]
12 January 09
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