Australia increases support for demining

Australia says it would increase support for humanitarian demining efforts in Sri Lanka and will provide AUD 1 million (more than LKR 124 million) in assistance over the next two years, through a partnership with the Mine Action Group (MAG) and Sri Lankan organisation Devlon Assistance for Social Harmony (DASH).

Issuing a statement, the Australian High Commission said that Australia has increased its support for humanitarian demining efforts in Sri Lanka to mark the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (4 April).

This increased funding will provide vital additional mine clearance capacity in Mannar and Vavuniya, two critical mine-affected provinces. It will allow many families to return to their land, re-establish their lives and enhance income-earning opportunities.

Australia has been one of the largest contributors towards demining in Sri Lanka, contributing AUD 20 million (around LKR 2 billion) since 2009, it added.