A landmine-free Sri Lanka by 2008
[March 10, 2006 - 10.30 GMT ]

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake says Sri Lanka will be made a landmine free country by 2008. He said the government will ensure security in the North and East to enhance its infrastructure facilities and will consider this as one of its main responsibilities.

In the process towards an honorable peace, priority will be given to activities that will directly affect day-to-day life. The Premier stated this after accepting a donation of three pieces of equipment representing the latest technology, sponsored by a Japanese project to remove landmines in the North and East.

Japanese Ambassador Akio Suda handed over the high tech equipment, worth US$ 1.8 million, to the Premier on Wednesday (08).

The Japanese government stated, “Tokyo spent 1.8 million dollars to buy three mine clearing machines over and above the 10 million dollars already spent on de-mining in Sri Lanka since 2002.

“De-mining activities are already under way in about half the areas believed sown with mines, and about a third of the area has been cleared and certified as safe.”

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Last Updated Date: March 10, 2006 -10.30 GMT