Mine Clearance in Support of the Return of Displaced People in Northern Sri Lanka - MAG 2010

For over two decades a civil war raged in Sri Lanka between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Following the end of hostilities in May 2009 approximately 300 000 people were displaced from their homes and were moved to government-controlled camps and transit sites. The displaced people are now returning to their home districts in the North of Sri Lanka. Many of these districts were the scene of heavy fighting and the land is contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance. CIDA's contribution is supporting Mines Advisory Group (MAG) to undertake mine survey and clearance activities in the Northern Province in cooperation with the government and other organizations specializing in mine action. The project is expected to enable up to 35 000 displaced people to return home to a safer and more secure environment.