Landmines are a lethal legacy of Sri Lanka’s civil conflict.
Australia has provided over 2 billion rupees for demining in former conflict-affected areas.
“Mihamalai area… it’s a very dangerous minefield.”
“Because it was the most dangerous forward defence line in Asia.”
Muhamalai, Northern Sri Lanka Denison Lakatheeskaran, Chief Consultant,
Delvon Assistance for Social Harmony “After the war, this was a very affected
area.
There are no job opportunities in our area.
So we try to give the chance to the people.
Our organisation started in 2010 with the funding of Australia and the Government of
Japan.
And now we are up to 12 manual demining teams.
We are working in three different districts: Kilinochchi, Mullativu and Vavuniya.
One of the most dangerous jobs in the world is demining.
They are playing with life.
In every second.
If you do the wrong drill in the field… explosives never excuse anybody.”
“My name is Gunasekaran Vasandhakumari and I have two daughters.
While I was going through a hard time, I heard the DASH organisation is hiring women for
the first time in 2011.
The organisation selected 12 women including me, who were heads of our families, going
through a difficult time and who needed the job.
When the women started to work, Australia provided funding and this helped women.
I’d like to give my gratitude for this.
I was very happy when I recovered my first mine.
Having this job has allowed me to look after my family and my husband.
After a year and a half I was promoted as a team leader and given an increment.”
“In the Muhamalai area, up to now, we have cleared more than 7,000 anti-personnel mines.
And more than 45 anti-tank mines and hundreds of UXOs (Unexploded Ordnances) have been cleared.
We are doing a good job.
For our people we are working.
We are very proud of our work.
And we actually sacrifice ourselves for them… because of their good lives.”
Mine clearance has allowed thousands of people displaced by the civil conflict to return
home and rebuild their lives in safety.