LM Report 2001

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SRI LANKA

Key developments since May 2000: Increased fighting has resulted in increased use of antipersonnel mines by government and LTTE forces, and increased military and civilian mine casualties. UN mine action and mine awareness programs have been terminated. In March 2001, a Symposium on the Impact of Landmines in Sri Lanka was held in Colombo, and in May 2001, a Conference on the Use of Landmines by Non-State Actors was held in Colombo.

Mine Ban Policy

Sri Lanka has not acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty. There is no change in the government policy of non-accession due to security concerns related to the on-going conflict with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelan (LTTE). However, Sri Lanka continued to demonstrate its interest in an eventual ban on antipersonnel landmines in a number of ways. It voted in favor of the pro-ban UN General Assembly resolution in November 2000, as it had in previous years. Sri Lanka participated as an observer at the Second Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty in Geneva in September 2000 and at the intersessional Standing Committee meetings in December 2000 and May 2001. Sri Lanka is not party to the Amended Protocol II of the Convention of Conventional Weapons; however it participated as observer at the December 2000 Annual Conference of the States Parties.

From 29-31 March 2001, a Symposium on the Impact of Landmines in Sri Lanka was held in Colombo. It was hosted by the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA) in conjunction with the Presidential Task Force on Human Disaster Management and the International Working Group on Sri Lanka. Participants included military, political, religious, ethnic and wider civil society representatives. The seminar looked at use and impact of landmines, mine awareness, landmine survivor assistance, and advocacy work.^[1]

From 11-12 May 2001, a conference on the Use of Landmines by Non-State Actors was held in Colombo. This conference was funded jointly by the governments of Canada and Norway, organized by the Centre for Defence Studies (UK), and cohosted by the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies. The purpose of the conference was to attempt to draw up a strategy whereby non-state actors can be induced to give up use of antipersonnel mines.

Production, Transfer and Stockpiling

Sri Lanka is not known to have produced or exported antipersonnel mines. Sri Lanka will not reveal any details about the number or types of antipersonnel mines it has stockpiled, but the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has reported finding Pakistani P4, Chinese Type 72, and Italian VS/50 antipersonnel mines laid by government troops.^[2] The LTTE are considered experts at making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), but also produce in significant numbers the Jony mine (a small wooden box mine), as well as a Claymore-type mine.^[3]

Use

There have been periods of heavy fighting in 2000 and 2001, with use of antipersonnel mines by both government forces and the LTTE. A four-month long unilateral ceasefire declared by the LTTE expired on 23 April 2001, and fighting resumed immediately thereafter with an offensive launched by the government forces. It was reported that more than 1,600 government soldiers were injured during the offensive, the majority victims of improvised landmines.^[4]

During the LTTE’S unilateral ceasefire, the Sri Lankan government sought to retake lost territory, and reported encountering extensive minefields laid by the withdrawing LTTE.^[5] During January 2001 alone the Sri Lankan Army claims to have recovered more than 1,000 LTTE antipersonnel mines.^[6] The UN has reported in the past that LTTE defensive minefields have not been marked, and that LTTE have laid mines to prevent access to facilities, shelter, wells, and food.^[7] There have been press accounts of a person who stepped on a mine laid in a public bathing place^[8] and others who have been injured while going about their daily chores.^[9] There are regular press reports of security forces being killed and injured by mines and IEDs, including at least 33 killed and 41 injured in May 2001.^[10]

It is also reported that government security forces have extensively mined their defensive lines.^[11] According to the UN, in the past the Sri Lankan security forces have laid barrier minefields as well as minefields to defend specific points, and these minefields are marked.^[12] More recently it has been reported that the Sri Lankan security forces are also using tripwire IEDs to defend their positions.^[13]

Landmine Problem

Antipersonnel landmines are largely confined to the northern and eastern regions, which are seriously affected. The UN Mine Action Project in Jaffna stated in 1999 that there is an extremely high level of contamination both in urban and rural areas of Jaffna.^[14] See Landmine Monitor Report 2000 for additional details. With the escalation of the conflict, the amount of contaminated land is likely to have increased greatly. Affected areas include urban areas, roads, water sources, and fertile agricultural land.

In April 2001 the UN reported, “In Sri Lanka, the major problem appears to be in new areas opened up by the LTTE where internally displaced people are resettling. There are numerous resettlement areas immediately requiring mine awareness. The locations requiring immediate attention are Jaffna and the Vanni.”^[15]

From 3-23 June 2001, the UN Mine Action Service conducted a technical mission to Sri Lanka to establish the current situation in relation to mine action.^[16]

It is difficult to estimate the number of mines laid due to ongoing use. The government made an estimate of 20,000 to 25,000 in May 1999.^[17] According to humanitarian aid workers, the number may have increased to several hundred thousand as consequence of the escalation of the conflict since the latter part of 1999. The UNDP Mine Action Project stated that they had removed just over 1,000 landmines and other UXO from an area which was approximately 0.9% of the suspect mine-affected area in Jaffna as identified by the Level 1 Survey.^[18] Jaffna is only one area in the theatre of conflict.

Mine Clearance

The UN Mine Action Project, which began in July 1999 in the areas controlled by the Sri Lankan security forces in Jaffna, was expanded at the beginning of 2000. However, due to the escalation of the conflict, this project was suspended in late April 2000^[19] and then terminated in May 2000.^[20]

The engineering units of the Sri Lankan Army are reported to be involved in humanitarian demining work in areas under their control in the Northern province of Jaffna. The purpose of the mine clearance was to enable the population of the area to return to their residences as soon as possible. According to a military spokesman, 603 LTTE mines had been cleared in one single day, and another 1,000 mines were estimated to be buried by the LTTE in the same area.^[21] Two soldiers were injured in this clearing operation. The Sri Lanka Army website indicates that approximately 7,000 landmines were removed from January to April 2001, mainly from Jaffna.^[22]

According to humanitarian aid workers, the LTTE are also reported to be engaged in humanitarian demining, sometimes using a rake to unearth mines.

Mine Awareness

The Mine Awareness program conducted under the UN Mine Action Project has also stopped. Though the project had put up more than 1,000 warning signs in mine-affected areas in Jaffna, it is reported that the civilians failed to take signs seriously resulting in a high injury rate.^[23]

UNICEF is in the process of taking over the mine awareness program in Jaffna after the termination of the UN project. This is in addition to the work they have been doing outside this area, which includes funding of a mine awareness project conducted by White Pigeon, a local NGO based in the area controlled by the LTTE.^[24] Awareness activities of White Pigeon include placing of sign boards, street drama and posters.^[25] Save the Children Fund (UK) is also involved in mine awareness specially targeted at children^[26].

Landmine Casualties

In 1999 the UN Mine Action Project recorded 34 landmine and UXO victims.^[27] In 2000 the total number of civilian landmine victims has been reported as 42 or 44.^[28] However, based on hospital records and information provided by the Jaipur Foot Program, international organizations and non-governmental organizations, the Landmine Monitor researcher believes civilian casualties in 2000 could total 300 persons.

The UN reported 24 civilian mine casualties for the period January to April 2001.^[29] In early April 2001, a military spokesperson said that nearly 100 people had been killed or wounded by landmines so far this year.^[30]

In June 1999 the government stated that approximately 4,000 members of the armed forces had suffered mine injuries.^[31] The LTTE provide no information on landmine casualties. However, the NGO White Pigeon, operating in LTTE controlled areas, stated that 179 landmine victims had been reported in the period January to October 2000.^[32]

The Sri Lanka Campaign to Ban Landmines commenced a comprehensive survey of landmine victims in areas outside the zone of conflict in early 2000, but the lack of resources constrained its progress.

Survivor Assistance

The government through the University Hospital Centers and other hospitals primarily provides medical assistance to victims. Foreign organizations also help in the medical and rehabilitation process. Medecins Sans Frontieres (France) is involved with the University Hospital center in Jaffna, and three other government hospitals in the northern and eastern regions. Medecins Sans Frontieres (Holland) helps a government hospital in an area controlled by the LTTE.

The Sri Lanka Jaipur Foot Program, with headquarters in Colombo and branches in other parts of the country provide prostheses to all victims who come to them including landmine victims. Civilian victims are provided prostheses free, and the cost is reimbursed by USAID.^[33] In 2000 the Jaipur Foot Program supplied prostheses to 72 civilians in Kundasale^[34] and to 343 war-related victims in Colombo, the majority of which were mine victims, both civilian and military.^[35] The Rotary Club of Batticaloa reported providing prostheses to 40 civilians in 2000.^[36]

The NGO White Pigeon has two workshops that manufacture prostheses in the areas controlled by the LTTE, and they claimed that in March 2001 there were over 400 persons on the waiting list for prostheses.^[37]

There are no social and economic integration programs specifically targeted at antipersonnel mine victims. There are, however, various general rehabilitation projects underway in the country, including in Jaffna, implemented by a variety of organizations both local and foreign. The Jaipur Foot Centre states that it provides interest-free loans of up to SLR 5,000 (about US$60) to victims of antipersonnel mines and other disadvantaged categories who are able to show a feasible self-employment project. They also provide a small monthly educational grant to children including landmine victims.^[38]

The government has a general program for the disabled, which provides a small monthly allowance. There are no specific disability laws for landmine victims. However, disabled persons of the government forces including landmine victims receive special assistance and pension benefits.

^[1] The CHA will coordinate follow-up action. A full report will be available. See the CHA website at www.chasl.org.
^[2] Email from Matthew Todd, UNDP, 18 January 2001; Email from Edward Chalmers, UNDP/UNOPS, 31 March 2000.
^[3] UNDP, “Mine Action Pilot Project Jaffna,” undated, released February 1999, pp. 4-5.
^[4] The Sunday Times, 29 April 2001, p.1. According to another report, “In the past year, since the re-capture of the area, the rebels have fortified their defences, placing improvised anti-personnel mines which have taken a heavy toll. When advancing soldiers moved from a cleared path to avoid artillery or mortar fire, they stepped on the mines. The majority of the injured, from among 1330, were landmine victims.” “Curtain rises on bloody end to Sri Lanka ceasefire,” 28 April 2001 at http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/asiapcf/south/04/27/srilanka.feature/.
^[5] The Daily News, 21 December 2000, p.1; The Island, 8 January 2001, p.1.
^[6] “LTTE antipersonnel mines a severe threat to civilian life,” Sri Lankan Government Security Report, http:www.priu.gov.lk.
^[7] Email by Chalmers, UNDP/UNOPS, 31 March 2000.
^[8] The Island, 9 September 2000, p. 1.
^[9] See for example, The Divaina, 12 January 2001, p. 4; The Divaina, 17 February 2001, p. 9.
^[10] See, The Hindu, Colombo, 24 May 2001 and 18 May 2001; UPI, Colombo, 18 May 2001.
^[11] The Sunday Times, 18 February 2001, p. 9.
^[12] Email by Chalmers, UNDP/UNOPS, 31 March 2000.
^[13] The Sunday Times, 18 February 2001, p. 9.
^[14] In 1999 the UNDP said, “It is estimated that there are around 50 to 75 square kilometers of suspect or contaminated land.” UNDP, “Mine Action Pilot Project Jaffna,” undated, released February 1999, p. 4. A subsequent press report said, “The UNDP said although initial information indicated 10 to 12 percent of the 1,068 square kilometer Jaffna peninsula was mined, the actual mined area was about two percent.” “Dogs sniff for mines in UN project in Sri Lanka,” Reuters, Colombo, 5 August 1999.
^[15] “UN Portfolio of Mine-Related Projects, Sri Lanka,” April 2001.
^[16] UNMAS Monthly Update, No. 5, June 2001.
^[17] Statement at the First Meeting of States Parties to the Mine Ban Treaty, Maputo, 4 May 1999.
^[18] Email by Todd, UNDP, 3 May 2001.
^[19] United Nations Office of the Resident Co-ordinator, Press Release, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 28 April 2000.
^[20] Email by Todd, UNDP, 18 January 2001.
^[21] The Daily News, 21 December 2000, pp. 1 & 10.
^[22] Email by Todd, UNDP, 3 May 2001 and http://www.slarmy.org. A press account quotes a military spokesperson as saying nearly 4,000 mines were cleared from January through March. “Sri Lanka Landmine Deaths High,” by Frances Harrison, BBC, Colombo, 4 April 2001.
^[23] TamilNet http://www.tamilnet.com/reports, 17 December 2000.
^[24] UNICEF representative, at the Symposium on the Impact of Landmines in Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 29-31 March 2001.
^[25] Ibid.
^[26] SCF (UK) representative, at the Symposium on the Impact of Landmines in Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 29-31 March 2001.
^[27] Email by Chalmers, UNDP, 31 March 2000.
^[28] UNDP was cited in an article stating that 42 civilians in Jaffna lost limbs to landmines in 2000, and that a total of 115 civilians were injured by mines in Jaffna during the last three years. “Landmines injure forty-two in Jaffna,” Sri Lanka, 17 December 2000, www.tamilnet.com. The Divaina, 26 January 2001, p.1, cited 44 civilian victims in 2000.
^[29] Email by Todd, UNDP, 3 May 2001.
^[30] “Sri Lanka Landmine Deaths High,” by Frances Harrison, BBC, Colombo, 4 April 2001.
^[31] Letter from Sri Lanka High Commission in Australia to the ACFOA, 16 June 1999.
^[32] Interview with S.S. Pillai, Administrator of White Pigeon, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 31 March 2001.
^[33] Kalyani Ranasinghe, Jaipur Foot Programme, at the Symposium on the Impact of Landmines in Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 29 – 31 March 2001.
^[34] Telephone interview with Cyril Siriwardene, Administrative Manager, Jaipur Foot Centre, 24 January 2001.
^[35] Telephone interview with Cyril Siriwardene, Administrative Manager, Jaipur Foot Centre, 25 January 2001.
^[36] Telephone interview with Sivasitamparam, Administration Officer, 23 January 2001.
^[37] Interview with S.S. Pillai, Administrator of White Pigeon, Colombo, Sri Lanka , 31 March 2001.
^[38] Kalyani Ranasinghe, Jaipur Foot Programme, at the Symposium on the Impact of Landmines in Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 29 – 31 March 2001.

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