The United States Pacific Command is providing training and equipment to the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) to assist its de-mining efforts.

This training will build additional SLA capacity to clear mines in the Northern Province and expedite the safe return of displaced people to their homes and livelihoods.

The training is being conducted at the Sri Lanka School of Military Engineering (SLSME) at Embilipitiya. The U.S. team is sharing its experiences and best practices in humanitarian de-mining with Sri Lanka Army Engineer instructors who will then conduct de-mining training for the Sri Lanka Army.

The U.S. also donated personal protection equipment (vest and visors) and de-miner equipment (de-miner tool set and mine lab F3 detectors). The equipment provided will remain in the SLSME to train future SLA personnel for de-mining efforts in Sri Lanka and future UN peacekeeping operations.

The total cost for the humanitarian de-mining program provided to the SLA is valued over $100,000. This program is in addition to the $6.6 million the U.S. has recently contributed toward de-mining activities in Northern Province.