Japanese aid for landmine clearance

Wednesday, 10 October 2012 01:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government of Japan has extended an additional US$ 737,575 (approximately Rs. 96 million) grant aid for humanitarian demining in the North of Sri Lanka through Delvon Assistance for Social Harmony Sri Lanka (DASH), a Sri Lankan Mine Action NGO, to expedite the efforts of the Government of Sri Lanka to achieve a mine-free Sri Lanka.

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$ 23 million (approximately Rs. 3 billion) for demining activities in the North and the East under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

The Japanese support between 2010-2012 to DASH has ensured the safe return of IDPs including a part of the finally returned people from the now closed Menik Farm, who were resettled last month in their homes and lands cleared by DASH.

During the Japan-funded programme DASH has cleared/released nearly two million square meters of land and the number of mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW) recovered and destroyed in the process has been more than 2,000.

This new project will enable DASH to continue its assistance by way of clearing agricultural lands, access roads to fishing areas and other essential facilities as well as new areas for development; in order to ensure the safe reestablishment of sustainable economy for the returnees; an essential requirement for the peace-building process.

Also with the staff being recruited from among the returnees that includes female single-parents and young people, who never has had any regular means of income due to the prolonged conflict; what they earn through the employment with DASH is injected to the cash-flow of the newly resettled areas, thereby supporting the reconstruction and reestablishment of a viable economy.

In addition to demining assistance, the Government of Japan has extended assistance for development in the North through projects such as improvement of central facilities of Jaffna Teaching Hospital, construction of Vavuniya-Kilinochchi Transmission Line, and urgent rehabilitation of resettled communities in Jaffna and Mannar districts. Japan hopes that these assistance would holistically contribute to sustainable peace and development in Sri Lanka and promote the livelihood of the people.

Japan and Sri Lanka celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

(www.news.lk)