Last modified on: 8/28/2010 12:34:06 PM Mine clearing operations a success in North & East

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100828_04

Mine clearing operations a success in North & East

Over 1,541,880,972sqm cleared-off....
2,468,119,028sqm surveyed to be cleared in North and east - SLNMAC
In a recent report released the Sri Lanka National Mine Action Center (SLNMAC) concluded that as at June, 2010 a total area of 1,541,880,972sqm in North and East as cleared-off, while an area of 2,468,119,028sqm remaining to be swept by the Army engineering corps.
According to the report released, the estimated time required to clear-off the remaining area will be at-least 15 years. The 'annual clearance average' since 2002 is 171sqkm, the SLNMAC further noted.
However, experts are of the view that the estimated time could be reduced with the addition of more trained military personnel. Despite its inherent high-risk and danger involved- Army Engineering corps have done a commendable work with an unmatched efficiency, an official at the SLMAC said.
"Their lives(de-miners) are invaluable to ensure the safety of the people and also as a confidence building measure for the resettlement of people displaced by the mines and explosives indiscriminately 'sown' and deliberately laid by LTTE terrorists" the official further asserted. According to the Information Management System on Mine Action (INSMA), Sri Lanka, a total of 386,225,502 square meters of land was cleared between 01st January 2009 and 18 July 2010.
Applauding international assistance provided into mine clearing/sweeping efforts, SLNMAC added that, United States of America recently allocated US $ 500,000 (Rs 56 m) to "purchase more heavy vehicles for the Army Humanitarian Deming Unit".
Available information points out that, by 05th August 2010 Army de-miner to have cleared-off a total area of 679sqkm in the North and East. According to the Army's Non-Technical Survey (NTS) report an area of 23,566sqm have been cleared-off by the military by 05th August, 2010.
Around 850 square kilometers were cleared of LTTE land mines with the Army Engineers unearthing 23,566 Unexploded Ordnance(UXOs) 32,171 Anti Personnel mines(AP) , 123 anti tank mines and 23,566 UXOs. The Army de-mining teams consist of 31 Officers and 991 soldiers to unearth the deadly explosive devices
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has reiterated that the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP's) will be re-settled only after the affected areas have been officially declared "MINE FREE". This principle has been strictly adhered to by the authorities. As a result , despite the inevitable delay due to the nature of the task involved , no casualties of resettled IDPs have been reported from areas declared "mine free" and has given the IDP confidence to resettle in their former villages and resume normal lives . The people are now free after over two decades of ruthless LTTE terrorism to resume normal lives, free from fear of their children been forcibly recruited by the LTTE as "child" soldiers.