Mine Action Enabling IDP Returns in Northern Sri Lanka - MAG 2010

May 2009 - 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 returning to their home districts in the North of Sri Lanka. However as a result of the conflict northern Sri Lanka is highly contaminated with landmines unexploded ordnance (UXO) and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). CIDA’s contribution to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) is supporting mine survey and clearance activities in the Northern Province. The project aims to reduce the vulnerability of up to 60 000 displaced people to accidents caused by mines and unexploded ordnance upon their return to their home areas.