Peacebuilding in Sri Lanka: Mine clearance and MAG workforce development.

This project aims to support mine clearance and staff transition activities across 8 operational districts in the Northern and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. It involves clearing up to 64 960m² of hazardous land and implementing staff transition activities for up to 375 MAG employees contributing to Sri Lanka’s goal of becoming landmine-free by 2027. Project activities include: (1) deploying Mine Action teams to conduct landmine clearance operations; (2) conducting pre and post clearance impact assessments and quality assurance visits to operational areas; (3) conducting tailor-made capacity-building leadership and other life skills training to at-risk female deminers and other operations staff to successfully handle the transition process; and (4) training orienting and referring field staff to diversify their sources of income while establishing public-private partnerships.

The expected outcome of this includes: improved peace and stability conditions in Sri Lanka through the completion of landmine clearance and the socio-economic reintegration of the demining workforce. This objective is achieved through demining of up to 64 960m² of contaminated land in the North and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka and improving life skills of up to 375 MAG staff to positively navigate change and manage the transition from demining to alternative economic activities and employment opportunities. Proposed staff transition training included the following topics: information and communication technology (ICT) classes; women capacity building training; career guidance and goal setting training; and personal finance management training.