More than 300,000 mines cleared

12 January 2011 10:30 pm

A total of 307,200 mines have been cleared and destroyed by the Army Field Engineers, in a land area of 1,872 square kilometers using mechanical and manual methods, Military Spokesman Major General Ubaya Medawala said. 

These clearing operations were conducted in Jaffna, Mannar, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa and Vavuniya districts, he said.

Nearly 1,300 soldiers are engaged in the de mining efforts taking place in the North and East. Several international organizations in coordination with a local organization have been involved in the de-mining in selected areas in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. From Oddusuddan to Nedunkerni has been completely de-mined by troops with the help of de-mining groups, he said.

Currently the de-mining process is underway in Mannar, Kokavil, Muhamalai to Paranthan and also in areas in Kilinochchi. Although most residential areas and the roads in the Wanni - an area including Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Jaffna, Mannar and Vavuniya districts - have been de-mined, as civilian activity increases, the risk of injury from mines and other devices remaining in those areas also increases,  Major General Medawala said.

The Army is now engaged in mine clearing operations along the A-9 Road from Paranthan to Elephant Pass and Muhamalai. They also cover certain other areas in Tunukkai, Manthivu, and Kokkavil, he said.  (Supun Dias)