US de-mining team in Jaffna
[April 4, 2002 - 8.30 GMT]

The US Quick Reaction De-mining Force is currently in Jaffna carrying out assessments, Stephen Holgate, Public Affairs Officer at the United States Embassy in Colombo said today. 

The team is expected to implement its de-mining operations within the next four months. RONCO, a Washington D.C. based commercial de-mining firm will be handling the project. 

The de-mining team arrived after the Sri Lankan Government announced plans to resettle 200,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). The total number of internally displaced persons in Sri Lanka is estimated to be 800,000. 

The Vanni region is still infested with landmines. Travellers on the Kandy-Jaffna A9 road are advised not to step even a few feet on either side of the road. Signboards with landmine warnings are abundant. 

According to the Sri Lanka Army website, eight soldiers and one civilian have been injured so far this year by anti-personnel mines. The incidents, mostly from the Jaffna peninsula, have also been reported from Piramanalankulam in Vavuniya.

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Last Updated Date: April 4, 2002  - 8.30 GMT.