Over 1113 sq km de-mined in North

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Over 1113 sq km de-mined in North
An area of 1113 square kilometers, out of 1,474 square kilometers in over 640 villages in Kilinochchi, Mullativu and Mannar in North has been de-mined, reports state.
According to the Economic Development Ministry, Jaffna district has been completely de-mined.
Thus, an estimated 1.5 million land mines has been de-mined utilizing manual methods and machinery specially imported for this purpose.
The Ministry of Economic Development has provided 29 flail machines to the security forces for de-mining operations and 1,050 security personnel are being deployed in de-mining activities. Eight sniff-dogs have also been used to locate mines in areas that cannot be penetrated by flail machines.
In addition, one local and six selected foreign organizations are also involved in the de-mining activities. These organizations use six additional flail machines with a workforce of 2013 persons.
The Government spent Rs.2, 180 million for de-mining activities in 2009. It has also conducted 17,654 programmes up to May 2010, sponsored by the UNICEF to enlighten the masses about the dangers of land mines.
The Government hopes to de-mine the rest of areas in Vavuniya, Mannar, Mullativu and Kilinochchi as early as possible and resettle people in these areas. The Ministry of Economic Development carries out all infrastructure work required for these activities.
Courtesy : President Media Unit