Australian government procures equipment for Sri Lankan mine operations

The Australian government has released $A4.25 million for demining operations in Sri Lanka.

Australia so far has granted approximately $ 14 million over the last two years for the procurement of much needed equipment for mine clearance activities and have thus enabled more than 70 square kilometres of land to be cleared and released for resettlement.

The funding will go towards the acceleration of mine surveys, clearance and mine risk education by local and international demining agencies. It will also support mine action coordination activities led by the Sri Lankan National Mine Action Centre.

The Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith, announced Australia's commitment to help the Government to achieve its goal of a mine free nation by 2020, during a visit to Sri Lanka, in November 2009 (when he was Foreign Affairs Minister). 

Australia's contribution recognizes the critical need to help displaced people to return home safely and to re-establish their livelihoods in their places of origin.

The funding was granted in conjunction with the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, observed on April 4.

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