http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110418_02

Progress on demining operations in war-torn North and East commendable - BHC


British High Commissioner John Rankin on the occasion of the 'International Day for Mine Awareness' said that Sri Lanka had achieved commendable results in its demining activities.
"We welcome the fact that displaced Sri Lankans will be able to return to their homes and rebuild their lives and communities", he said.
This year theme was "A landmine-free world within reach".
According to the Country Manager of The Halo Trust (a leading UK-based demining agency working in Sri Lanka), there are approximately 4,000 demining personnel currently working in Sri Lanka - probably the second largest number globally.
Since September 2008, the UK has allocated £13.5 million for humanitarian assistance in Sri Lanka thorough its development agency DFID. Over œ 1 million out of the total allocation has been spent on demining activities. In February 2011, visiting UK Minister Alistair Burt announced further œ3 million funding towards demining operations in Sri Lanka