The road to recovery: Paving the way for a safer future after conflict

I’m so thankful to those who have given incredibly generously to our recent appeals supporting the delivery of humanitarian aid in Gaza and helping our landmine clearance experts begin work in Ukraine.

As new horrors unfold in Lebanon, our thoughts are with those whose lives have been changed forever. At times like this, I find it helpful to reflect on the places where MAG has been working the longest. When civil war was raging across northern Sri Lanka for decades, it seemed an impossible situation. Now, Sri Lanka is on the road to recovery, and part of that recovery is removing the landmines.

MAG has worked in Sri Lanka for over 20 years and thanks to your support has cleared over 100,000 landmines and unexploded bombs from nearly 100,000 m2 of land. Crucially this has contributed to 800,000 people being able to return to their homes in safety.

When we look at somewhere like Sri Lanka, we get a glimpse of what could be down the line for countries currently experiencing deadly conflicts. I am proud to be part of an organisation which makes such a difference in the lives of people affected by conflict. I hope you are also proud of the vital part you have played.

Thank you for your support.

Darren Cormack

MAG Chief Executive

At 18-years old, Victoria’s life changed forever. 

She was collecting firewood near her home in northern Sri Lanka when she saw a box on the ground. Intrigued, she picked it up. The next thing she can remember was realising her hands were gone – the box was a landmine and it had exploded. Now, decades on, she’s dedicated to preventing others from suffering the same fate. 

Victoria, a community contact for MAG, plays a vital role in identifying and reporting potential dangers that linger on from the civil war. Her unwavering commitment to safety has helped countless individuals. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring effects of conflict and the importance of MAG’s ongoing commitment to help communities to recover.

Like everyone of his generation, Poologaraja Sivaraj’s childhood was a dangerous one, spent under the shadow of Sri Lanka’s decades-long civil war. 

As an adult, he moved to Puliyankulam in the north of the country to start a family with his wife Vithusha. Landmines had been found in Puliyankulam, threatening the lives of everyone who lived there. However, thanks to your support a MAG team meticulously removed 18 landmines and other unexploded bombs from land belonging to the family. 

The once-hazardous terrain was transformed into a space where Sivaraj and Vithusha could raise their two boys without fear. Today, their two-year-old son Nivathen enjoys the simple pleasures of childhood, running and playing in the safety of the family farm. The children’s lives are a stark contrast to the perilous existence their parents endured. 

Recovery from conflict is about more than just physical safety. It is about creating a safe community for the next generation where children can grow up free from the trauma of war and the constant threat of violence.

In Sri Lanka, tens of thousands of landmines have been removed, but new areas of contamination are still being discovered. 

Maristella is a landmine clearance expert. Each day she works removing landmines and making Sri Lanka safe, one square metre at a time. 

Thanks to your generosity and her hard work, her children have careers and a bright future, especially her daughter who has been selected for the Sri Lanka women’s cricket team!