The two projects are: “The Project for Demining in the Northern and North Central Provinces of Sri Lanka”, implemented by Delvon Assistance for Social Harmony Sri Lanka (DASH) with a sum of US$ 634,860 (approximately Rs. 90 million) and “The Project for Humanitarian Mine Action in Mannar and Landmine Survey in Northern and Eastern Provinces”, implemented by Mines Advisory Group (MAG) with sum of US$ 603,143 (approximately Rs. 87 million). It is expected that these projects would contribute to expedite the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka to make mine contaminated areas safe lands for people to return and resume their livelihoods.
Japan has been a major donor supporting mine clearance in Sri Lanka to accelerate the return and resettlement of Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) and to facilitate recommencement of agriculture and other livelihood activities of returnees. Since 2003, the Government of Japan has provided a sum of US$ 28 million for demining activities in the North and the East under its Grant Assistance schemes.
The two Grant Contracts were signed between His Excellency Mr. Kenichi Suganuma, Ambassador of Japan and Mr. Ananda Chandrasiri, Programme Manager, DASH and Ms. Bethan Davies, Regional Programme Officer, MAG, respectively, on 1st March 2016 at Embassy of Japan in Colombo.
Commenting on the provision of this grant Mr. Ananda Chandrasiri, Program Manager of DASH noted that “the Government is determined to see that Sri Lanka is mine-impact free by the end of 2020. The Sri Lankan programme has proved to be one of the most successful mine action stories in the world. The generous assistance of our friendly countries, with Japan in the forefront, has been a key factor behind this success. Japan has always been a very close and supportive friend of Sri Lanka. There still is a great demand for demining in the country. Our efforts contribute towards enhancing development and livelihood activities and thereby achieving peace and reconciliation endeavour pursued by the Government. The pursuit of this endeavour call for the provision of livelihood opportunities to the young people who were affected by the conflict. Being the only national demining organization operating in the country, DASH has basically employed needy people from mine-affected areas, focussing on this necessity.”
Ms. Bethan Davies; MAG Regional Programme Officer noted that ‘MAG is honored to be accepting this grant from the Government of Japan, an esteemed donor for Humanitarian Mine Action projects both within Sri Lanka and around the world. In the last two years alone, the partnership between MAG Sri Lanka and the Government of Japan has enabled the removal and destruction of over 4,000 landmines. The removal of these potentially lethal items have helped tens of thousands of people to resettle and rebuild their lives and livelihoods in Mannar District by providing safe land for agriculture, housing, schools and other community infrastructure.
Last year MAG was privileged to be asked by the Government of Sri Lanka to expand operations and undertake a systematic survey in the Eastern Province. MAG is looking forward to launching these activities in partnership with the Government of Japan under this project. Funding from the People of Japan will not only continue to save lives but also build futures by supporting livelihood development among some of the most mine-affected communities in the country. With Japanese support, MAG is looking forward to continuing clearance and survey activities in support of the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to being mine impact free by 2020.’
