Sri Lanka’s mine action efforts a model for the world: global experts

Monday, 27 May 2019 01:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: GICHD Strategic Management Advisor Asa Massleberg, National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement and Rehabilitation, Northern Development and Youth Affairs Ministry Secretary V. Sivagnanasothy, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez, Permanent Representative of Norway to the UN Ambassador Hans Brattskar, Ministry Director overseeing the National Mine Action Program S. Jaladeepan

Sri Lanka’s sustained focus on mine risk education and awareness creation makes it an exemplary model for the rest of the world, international experts participating in an interactive panel discussion, chaired by Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez, reiterated.

Ministry Secretary V. Sivagnanasothy

Deliberating on the sidelines of the Intersessional Meeting of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) held from 22 to 24 May, experts in mine action, humanitarian disarmament and human rights appreciated the remarkable progress achieved by Sri Lanka in mine clearance, mine risk education and victim assistance, paving the way for the return of, and housing and livelihoods for, thousands of affected people.

The well-attended panel discussion ‘Towards a mine-free Sri Lanka in 2020: Challenges and Prospects for Partnerships’, drew in representatives of international organisations, implementing partners and the donor community, in addition to several mine action experts, academics and diplomats.

National Policies, Economic Affairs, Resettlement and Rehabilitation, Northern Development and Youth Affairs Ministry Secretary V. Sivagnanasothy, Permanent Representative of Norway to the UN in Geneva and the President of the forthcoming 4th Review Conference of the APMBC Ambassador Hans Brattskar, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining Strategic Management Advisor Asa Massleberg, and Director and National Focal Point coordinating the National Mine Action Program S. Jaladeepan made presentations at the discussion, sharing their views and perspectives on Sri Lanka’s achievements as well as challenges faced.

Sri Lanka’s success in establishing an effective national ownership of its mine action program, integrating gender diversity into it, collaborating effectively with international stakeholders, and contributing to the development of communities, received special commendation at the event.