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Table of Contents
Country Reports
Sri Lanka, Landmine Monitor Report 2004

Sri Lanka

Key developments since May 2003: The government has set a goal of making Sri Lanka mine-free by the end of 2006. In 2003, a total of 2,155,364 square meters of land were cleared, including 24,038 mines and 19,610 UXO. Another 629,948 square meters were cleared from January to March 2004, including 8,896 mines and 5,907 UXO. Four new NGO mine action operators initiated clearance in 2003. Three NGOs conducted Community Impact Surveys and/or technical surveys. Mine risk education activities expanded significantly, reaching over 200,000 people. A new Regional Mine Action Center was established in the LTTE-controlled area. In July 2003, an official revealed that the Army used about one million mines during the country’s internal conflict. UNDP recorded 99 new landmine/UXO casualties in 2003, a decrease from 142 in 2002. In August 2003, the Cabinet approved a new National Disability Policy.

The government reiterated that it is considering accession to the Mine Ban Treaty. A joint advocacy project of three NGOs established a dialogue with the government and the LTTE aimed at the renunciation of antipersonnel landmines. The UNDP organized a seminar for Sri Lankan security forces to discuss the military utility of and alternatives to antipersonnel mines.

Key developments since 1999: Following a UNDP assessment, the UN Mine Action Project began in July 1999, but had to be suspended in April 2000 due to the conflict. Increased fighting in 2000 and 2001 resulted in increased use of antipersonnel mines by both sides, increased military and civilian mine casualties, and the termination of UN mine action programs. Fighting stopped in December 2001, and a formal cease-fire agreement came into force in February 2002. There have been no confirmed reports of new use of mines by either government or LTTE forces since December 2001.

The cease-fire enabled a significant expansion of mine action activities in 2002: the government established a National Steering Committee on Mine Action; UNICEF and NGOs increased mine risk education activities; and, seven mine action operators cleared a combined total of more than 16.3 million square meters of land. In 2003, more than 2.1 million square meters of land were cleared, and another 629,948 square meters from January to March 2004. Mine risk education activities expanded, reaching over 200,000 people. From 1999-2003, more than 18.7 million square meters of land were cleared, and at least 300,000 people received mine risk education. In early 2004, the government set the goal to make Sri Lanka mine-free by the end of 2006.

Since 1999, at least 724 new landmine/UXO casualties have been recorded; however, UNDP believes the real number is higher. In April 2002, a five-year Disability Support Program started with the aim of improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities. In February 2003, UNDP announced the start of its “Disability Assistance Project.”

Sri Lanka has voted in favor of every pro-ban UN General Assembly Resolution and in October 2002, the government announced its willingness to accede to the Mine Ban Treaty contingent upon reaching an agreement with the LTTE prohibiting use of landmines.

Mine Ban Policy

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has not acceded to the Mine Ban Treaty. In February 2004, Sri Lanka stated that it “has always in principle supported the humanitarian objectives of this landmark international instrument” and that it will work with others “in achieving the common goal that we all share, a world free of landmines.” Sri Lanka also said it will continue “to work towards its possible accession” and reiterated the Prime Minister’s statement to the UN General Assembly in 2002: “Sri Lanka is reviewing its position on the Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines with a view to becoming a party to it as confidence in peace accrues.”[1] On several occasions, the government reaffirmed that its stand on the mine ban is dependent on reaching an agreement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on non-use of landmines.[2]

Sri Lanka participated in the Ottawa Process meetings in 1997, but always as an observer, and it openly stated its need to use antipersonnel mines. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka has voted in favor of all the UN General Assembly resolutions supporting a mine ban since 1996, including the December 2003 resolution calling for universalization of the Mine Ban Treaty. In October 2002, the government announced its willingness to accede to the Mine Ban Treaty contingent upon reaching an agreement with the LTTE on the non-use of landmines.

Sri Lanka has participated as an observer in all but one of the annual Meetings of States Parties, including the Fifth Meeting of States Parties in Bangkok in September 2003.[3] It has also attended all intersessional Standing Committee meetings since December 2000, including one in February 2004, where Sri Lanka declared that it was exploring the possibility of submitting a voluntary Article 7 transparency report.[4] In July 2004, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the submission of a voluntary report.[5]

Also in July 2004, the Cabinet of Ministers approved Sri Lanka’s accession to Amended Protocol II of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW).[6] Sri Lanka joined the CCW and its Amended Protocol II on 24 September 2004. It did not attend the Fifth Annual Conference of States Parties to Amended Protocol II in December 2003.

Several governments, including Australia, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, have continued to actively encourage the government to accede to the Mine Ban Treaty.[7]

In early November 2003 the UN Development Programme (UNDP) held a seminar for the Sri Lankan security forces which “focused on the limited military utility of AP mines in the Sri Lanka context, their negative humanitarian consequences in the country, alternatives to their use, and implications of the AP Mine Ban Treaty for Sri Lanka.”[8] The seminar was well-attended and included a presentation by a representative of the UK Ministry of Defence.

The Mine Action Resource Centre (MARC) stated that it had conducted an advocacy campaign using the electronic, radio and print media in June-July 2003.[9]

LTTE Ban Policy

In January 2002, for the first time, a leader of the LTTE rebels expressed support for a ban on antipersonnel mines. The Swiss NGO Geneva Call visited Sri Lanka in August 2003 and had discussions with representatives of the LTTE and the government with the aim of encouraging the parties to ban the use of antipersonnel landmines. Geneva Call reported that the LTTE was seriously considering signing the Geneva Call's “Deed of Commitment” banning antipersonnel mines, and that the LTTE would like to discuss the mine ban in negotiations with the government. However, the LTTE indicated that they would like to see some significant progress toward peace before making any ban commitment.[10] The Swiss government has repeatedly encouraged the LTTE to sign the Geneva Call Deed of Commitment.[11]

NGO Activities

At the beginning of 2003, the Sri Lanka-based Inter-religious Peace Foundation (IRPF),[12] UK-based Landmine Action, and Swiss-based Geneva Call initiated a “joint cross-conflict project” aimed at encouraging the government to accede to the Mine Ban Treaty and the LTTE to stop using antipersonnel landmines. As a part of the project, a conference on the antipersonnel landmine issue in Sri Lanka was held in Colombo on 26 July 2003. Representatives of the Sri Lankan government, Army, donors, international organizations, and NGOs participated.[13] The representative of the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) expressed the desirability of further dialogue on this issue. As noted above, Geneva Call also sent a mission to Sri Lanka in August 2003, and in May 2004, it organized a workshop on the mine ban in Jaffna.

The Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO) is an umbrella organization that coordinates all mine action and other relief and rehabilitation work in the areas controlled by the LTTE. It works closely with the IRPF to advocate the renunciation of mines by both the government and the LTTE.[14]

Beginning in January 2002, IRPF collected two million citizens’ signatures on a petition that urged the government to accede to the Mine Ban Treaty, and asked the LTTE to stop using antipersonnel mines. The petition was presented to representatives of the government and the LTTE during peace talks in Oslo on 4 December 2002.

In September 2003, the Sri Lankan Campaign to Ban Landmines became a member of the ICBL’s Coordination Committee, with the IRPF as its representative. The IRPF released Landmine Monitor Report 2003 at a press conference held in February 2004.

Use

In nearly two decades of conflicts both the Sri Lanka Army and LTTE used antipersonnel mines extensively. Increased fighting in 2000 and 2001 resulted in increased use of antipersonnel mines by both sides. Fighting halted in December 2001 and a formal cease-fire agreement came into force in February 2002. Although the LTTE suspended peace talks with the government in April 2003, the cease-fire continued to hold. Since December 2001, there have been no confirmed reports of new mine use by either the government or the LTTE.

In December 2003, a series of articles on TamilNet reported allegations that the Sri Lanka Army had planted landmines in the vicinity of Manalkaadu, a village on the southeastern cost of Jaffna.[15] The articles reported that Manalkaadu’s villagers said the Army laid mines near a casuarinas plantation where the Army had built a new camp, and that the mines had killed four cattle. The Jaffna coordinator for the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka reportedly said that people from Manalkaadu complained about the new minefield. The TamilNet articles reported that the Army denied that it ever planted landmines in the area. UNDP told Landmine Monitor that it investigated and confirmed that there were no newly laid minefields, or old minefields in the area.[16]

In a response to Landmine Monitor, an Army Commander denied the allegations and stated that the allegations were investigated by UNDP–Mine Action and found to be untrue. He reasserted that the Army has not laid any mines since the signing of the cease-fire.[17] Likewise, in February 2004, Sri Lanka told Mine Ban Treaty States Parties that security forces have not used mines since the cease-fire.[18]

In August 2004, the LTTE said that two of its members were killed by a landmine recently laid by an armed group with Sri Lankan military support.[19]

Production, Transfer, and Stockpiling

There is no evidence that the Sri Lankan government has produced or exported antipersonnel mines. The Sri Lankan government will not disclose the number or types of antipersonnel mines it has stockpiled, but previous Landmine Monitor reports stated that government troops used Pakistani P4, Chinese Type 72, and Italian VS/50 antipersonnel mines. This information is currently being confirmed during demining operations.[20]

The LTTE has produced several types of antipersonnel mines, including the “Jony” mine (a small wooden box mine), a plastic mine designated Rangan 99 (which resembles the Pakistani P4 mine), and a Claymore-type directional fragmentation mine, as well as an antivehicle mine designated Amman 2000MK1. The LTTE is also considered expert in making improvised explosive devices (IEDs).[21] The current status of the LTTE’s landmine production facilities is not known.

Landmine Problem, Survey and Assessment

After two decades of armed conflict, landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) constitute a serious impediment to reconstruction and resettlement. Landmines are a threat to the refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who return to areas highly impacted by conflict. The conflict displaced around 800,000 people from the North and the East; according to UNHCR, at the end of 2003, 386,104 persons remained displaced.[22] The Premier’s Office reported in 2004 that hundreds of internally displaced persons had returned to previously mined lands that had been cleared.[23]

There are no reliable figures regarding the total number of antipersonnel mines planted. In July 2003, an Army official for the first time revealed that the Army used about one million mines during the conflict.[24] Government officials now commonly estimate that both sides planted a total of 1.5 million mines.[25] Earlier government estimates ranged from 700,000 to 1 million, while the LTTE estimated that more than 2 million mines were planted.[26]

General surveys conducted by HALO, the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) indicate that about 200 million square meters of land is suspected to be mine-affected; it is likely this number will be reduced once technical surveys are undertaken.[27] On the basis of partial minefield records provided by the Army, UNDP estimates that the Army mined about 50 million square meters of land.[28] According to a media report, the UNDP-operated Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) database had records of over 3,000 dangerous areas and minefields as of December 2003.[29]

In February 2004, Sri Lanka declared, “The Government of Sri Lanka has embarked on a comprehensive humanitarian mine action programme with a broad objective of making Sri Lanka a mine free country by the end of 2006.”[30] A UNDP “Briefing Paper” given to Landmine Monitor in March 2004 stated, “The country aims to have all high priority areas cleared by end-2006.” Others have expressed the view that what is attainable by end of 2006 is the demining of all high-priority areas.[31]

Two NGOs, FSD and MAG, conducted Community Impact Surveys in this reporting period. From October 2002 to March 2004, FSD gathered information in over 360 villages and produced Impact Survey Reports, Dangerous Areas Reports, and Incidents and Casualties Reports. In the same period it conducted a technical survey of 46,000 square meters of land.[32]

MAG surveyed 112 villages in Baticaloa district from July 2003 to March 2004. It also undertook risk assessment and technical survey of areas where 13 polling booths were to be located in April 2004. In the Vanni region, 30 percent of the 72 communities surveyed reported known or suspected minefields, and 33 percent were contaminated by UXO. The survey found that the type of land mostly heavily affected is agricultural land and land for housing. One survey team is specifically tasked to respond to requests from NGOs and local authorities for threat assessment and subsequent mine action activities.[33]

In June 2002, HALO Trust initiated a Technical Survey and Demarcation project, which included collection of socio-economic data. The survey, concluded in December 2002, identified minefields in an area of 14.49 million square meters, including a total of 3.83 million square meters categorized as high priority.[34] As of April 2004, HALO continued to conduct technical surveys in Vavuniya, Manar, Anuradhapura, Tricomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara.[35]

In late 1997, the UNDP conducted a feasibility study which concluded that there was a serious landmine problem and recommended the establishment of a mine action program. The UN Mine Action Project started in July 1999 and a Level One Survey was initiated at the beginning of 2000.[36] The survey was 35 to 40 percent completed when it was stopped in April 2000 due to the escalation of the conflict in the Jaffna peninsula. The total area identified as mined or suspected to be mined was 20,242,485 square meters.

UNDP manages the Sri Lanka Mined Area Database, which uses the Information Management System for Mine Action. The IMSMA database was first installed in 2000, then upgraded in 2002 and again in May 2003. Additional IMSMA terminals have been supplied to each Area Mine Action Office. The Army stated that it has given UNDP all of their minefield records except those relating to High Security Zones.[37] There have been no reports of the LTTE providing any minefield records.

Mine Action Coordination

The government planned to establish a national coordination body for mine action in Colombo in 2003, with the assistance of the UNDP and UNICEF, but this has not yet happened. Mine clearance now takes place according to District Work Plans that give priority to resettlement, and these plans are reviewed on a quarterly basis.[38]

The National Steering Committee for Mine Action (NSCMA), established in the latter part of 2002, is responsible for oversight and coordination of policy, including national policy on mine risk education and victim assistance. Among its functions are to review and approve national priorities for mine action, as well as mine action standards.[39]

At the district level, two Area Mine Action Offices (AMAO) in Jaffna and Vavuniya[40] provide operational coordination and develop demining priorities in consultation with relevant authorities, including District Mine Action Committees. The AMAOs are supervised by their respective Government Agent offices and receive support from UNDP, as well as UNICEF for mine risk education.[41] Mine action focal points for the districts of Trincomalee and Batticaloa have been appointed by the respective Government Agents and are trained by UNDP.[42]

UNDP reported that the first priority for mine action activities is support of resettlement, and the second priority is support for reconstruction and development projects.[43]

The Tamil Rehabilitation Organization opened a Regional Mine Action Office (RMAO) in Killinochchi in July 2003 to coordinate and support mine action activities in the LTTE-controlled areas of the North and East.[44] RMAO prioritizes areas for demining and is involved in the allocation of cleared land in consultation with international demining agencies, local government officials and the local Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies. The priority for mine clearance is support of the return of IDPs.[45]

All NGOs involved in mine action must register with the Ministry of Social Services, and in addition, must sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Defense. No formal accreditation process for mine action has been established. However, a draft accreditation procedure was submitted by UNDP to the NSCMA in March 2004.[46] National Standards for demining activities in keeping with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) have been formulated.

MARC stated that it provides a forum for mine action agencies to exchange information and discuss matters that are of common interest. In 2003, it held seven meetings and published a directory of mine action agencies.[47]

Mine Clearance

UNDP reported that in 2003 a total of 2,155,364 square meters of land were cleared including manual, mechanical and battle area clearance. A total of 24,038 antipersonnel mines, 54 antivehicle mines and 13,231 UXO were destroyed. From January to March 2004, another 629,948 square meters were cleared, including 8,896 antipersonnel mines, five antivehicle mines and 5,883 UXO.[48]

Humanitarian mine clearance in Sri Lanka began, under the auspices of the UN Mine Action Project, in the areas controlled by the government in the Jaffna peninsula in July 1999. Clearance was suspended in April 2000 due to the escalation of the conflict. During the period of operations 214,541 square meters of land were cleared and over 1,023 antipersonnel mines destroyed.[49] Following the cease-fire, a new mine action project led by UNDP was initiated in the second half of 2002.

Those involved in mine clearance in 2002 include the HALO Trust, the Humanitarian Demining Unit, Mines Advisory Group, Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), Swiss Foundation for Mine Action, RONCO, and the Sri Lanka Army. All of the mine action operators cleared a combined total of 16,356,485 square meters of land in 2002. Of the total, the Army cleared 16,089,124 square meters.[50] Landmine Monitor has been told that the Army was able to achieve this very large amount because it did not conduct clearance to international standards.

The two main agencies engaged in mine clearance in 2003 and 2004 are the Sri Lanka Army and the Humanitarian Demining Unit, an implementing arm of the TRO. The SLA has received training and equipment from the US State Department, through the commercial company RONCO Consulting Corporation. The HDU has received support from NPA, MAG, FSD, and Danish Demining Group (DDG). HALO Trust works in the Jaffna Peninsula and in Trincomalee.

In 2003 and 2004, four additional NGOs began clearance operations: the DDG, the Japan Center for Conflict Prevention, and two NGOs from India, Horizon and Sarvatra Technical Consultants. Two Sri Lankan NGOs have been registered and are in the process of setting up operations: Mine Free Planet and Planet Alive.

The Sri Lanka Army has four Field Engineer Regiments deployed in humanitarian demining work. It started limited operations in March 2001 in support of the government’s program for the resettlement of internally displaced persons. According to the UNDP database, during 2003 the SLA cleared 1,205,069 square meters of land and removed 5,306 antipersonnel mines, 15 antivehicle mines, and 1,149 UXO.[51] Landmine Monitor was told that only part of the 2003 clearance was done to international standards. The US government provided assistance through RONCO to upgrade SLA humanitarian demining capacity; 280 deminers and 35 paramedics, along with 82 supervisory staff, had been trained by April 2004.[52] The SLA intends to increase its capacity to 600 deminers.[53]

Until 2004, the SLA conducted only manual clearance. The SLA received six mine detection dogs from the US Marshall Legacy Institute and other donors in March 2004, and by June RONCO had trained the dogs and their handlers.[54] The US government also provided the Army with its first vegetation removal system in mid-2004.[55] UNDP reported that RONCO cleared 15,105 square meters of land removing 158 antipersonnel mines, one antivehicle mine and 54 UXO.[56]

The Tamil Rehabilitation Organization through its mine clearance arm, the Humanitarian Demining Unit, began demining in the Vanni area in 1999. By the end of 2002, the HDU had cleared 120,000 landmines in the LTTE-controlled areas. Since 2002, TRO/HDU has received assistance for its mine action operations and it currently works in partnership with four international NGOs and employs over 850 deminers.[57]

Mines Advisory Group in partnership with the TRO/HDU conducts impact surveys, fencing/marking, technical surveys, manual and mechanical mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD).[58] In the Vanni, MAG/HDU deploys four technical survey/fencing teams, two EOD teams and a Bozena Miniflail mechanical clearance team. From July 2003 to March 2004, MAG reports that it erected 18,720 meters of minefield perimeter fencing, manually cleared 21,881 square meters of land (removing 147 antipersonnel mines), mechanically verified 81,270 square meters of suspected dangerous areas and investigated 535 UXO reports (removing and destroying over 13,685 UXO).[59] In Batticaloa district, as part of the risk assessment of suspected dangerous areas, MAG reports it cleared 3,151 square meters of land and removed 113 antipersonnel mines in the period September 2003–March 2004. UNDP reported that MAG/HDU cleared 87,759 square meters of land including 333 antipersonnel mines and 6,639 UXO in 2003.[60]

Norwegian People’s Aid reported that it provides technical assistance to HDU in building its capacity to clear mines according to international standards in a cost effective and sustainable manner.[61] It applies the “Rake” method, using a light garden rake and a heavier rake as excavation tools, and without the use of mine detectors.[62] In October 2003 the project reached its full capacity of 520 trained manual deminers, including 40 female deminers and 80 support staff. In 2003, NPA/HDU reported clearing a total of 684,000 square meters of land, containing 5,403 antipersonnel mines, nine antivehicle mines and 3,218 UXO. From January to March 2004, they cleared 175,000 square meters of land and removed 2,609 antipersonnel mines, two antivehicle mines and 177 UXO. NPA estimates that 1,526 families directly benefited from the mine clearance by resettling in or using the demined land. The number of people benefiting from a mine-free environment in their village is considerably higher.[63] The UNDP reported that NPA/HDU cleared 627,156 square meters of land removing 5,234 antipersonnel mines, nine antivehicle mines and 2,733 UXO in 2003.[64]

The Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) is involved in General Mine Action Assessment (impact survey), Technical Survey, Manual Clearance, Battle Area Clearance and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.[65] FSD has an operational strength of 80 local and five expatriate personnel. From October 2002 to March 2004, FSD reports clearing 57,000 square meters of land and 13,000 square meters of battlefield area, and over 4,300 antipersonnel mines and 2,200 UXO were destroyed. FSD signed a contract with the Japanese government in January 2004 to strengthen its mine clearance operations, including provision of a mini-flail machine.[66] According to the UNDP database, FSD cleared 93,127 square meters of land and removed 2,925 antipersonnel mines, seven antivehicle mines, and 2,092 UXO in 2003.[67]

The Danish Demining Group (DDG) began mine clearance in November 2003 with one Manual Demining Team (MDT) in Jaffna, two MDTs in partnership with HDU in the Vanni and in Trincomalee, and two Quick Response teams.[68] In 2003, it reports clearing 13,292 square meters, destroyed 270 antipersonnel mines, one antivehicle mine and 16 UXO. From January to March 2004, DDG cleared 33,022 square meters of land and removed 545 antipersonnel mines and 89 UXO. The UNDP database recorded that in 2003 DDG cleared 11,196 square meters of land, removed 335 antipersonnel mines, one antivehicle mine and 45 UXO.[69]

HALO Trust works in government-controlled areas and provides special assistance on request in LTTE-controlled areas. HALO’s activities include manual mine clearance, mechanical mine clearance, marking, area reduction, survey and explosive ordnance disposal.[70] HALO employs 250 local staff and intends to increase to 450 in 2004. From October 2002 to March 2004, HALO reported clearing 230,000 square meters of land and removing 24,000 landmines and 1,500 UXOs. The UNDP database recorded HALO clearing 61,977 square meters of land and removing 8,071 antipersonnel mines, eight antivehicle mines, and 506 UXO in 2003.[71]

The Milinda Moragoda Institute for People's Empowerment (MMIP), in collaboration with two Indian NGOs (Horizon and Sarvatra), conducted mine clearance activities in government-controlled areas. MMIP/Horizon began in May 2003 and MMIP/Sarvatra in September 2003.[72] Each NGO deployed a team of 50 personnel (30 Indian and 20 Sri Lankan). UNDP reported that in 2003 MMIP/Horizon cleared 23,750 square meters of land, 1,667 antipersonnel mines and six UXO and MMIP/Sarvatra cleared 30,225 square meters of land and nine antipersonnel mines, two antivehicle mines and 10 UXO.[73]

The Japan Center for Conflict Prevention (JCCP) started manual mine clearance operations in March 2004 in the Vavuniya district. A team consisting of 44 Sri Lankan personnel had been trained by a technical advisor seconded from the DDG and two Japanese technical advisors.[74]

Mine Risk Education[75]

Mine risk education (MRE) activities continued to expand during 2003. More than 200,000 people attended MRE sessions. This represents a significant increase over UNICEF’s estimate of 100,000 to 150,000 beneficiaries in 2002.[76] UNICEF coordinates MRE nationally in collaboration with the UNDP Mine Action Office, and it works in conjunction with several local and international NGOs and the Ministry of Education.

UNICEF started MRE activities in Jaffna in 1998, and conducted MRE, with a focus on schoolchildren, under the UNDP Mine Action program from 1999 until the program’s suspension in April 2000 due to hostilities.[77] Limited MRE was carried out from that point until after the February 2002 cease-fire, when UNICEF and NGOs greatly increased MRE activities.[78] Since then, MRE activities have been closely linked with resettlement of IDPs and with mine clearance, with MRE operators acting as liaisons between communities and demining teams before, during and after clearance operations, ensuring two-way information and mutual understanding.

Mine risk education was incorporated into school curricula in 2004 under a national school-based MRE program. UNICEF established in late 2003 a MRE training capacity, including a “Training of Trainers of MRE” program that targets NGO field officers and MRE management training coordinators. National standards for MRE were finalized in July 2004 and are being integrated into the Sri Lanka National Mine Action Standards.[79] On 4 December 2003, the National Steering Committee on Mine Action launched a media campaign titled, “Your Safety, Mine Action, Our Future,” to raise awareness of the issues surrounding landmines.[80]

At the district level, UNICEF has four coordinators for MRE and Survivor Assistance based in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Killinochchi and Trincomalee, who coordinate and plan all MRE and survivor assistance activities in accordance with district mine action programs. They also monitor quality assurance of MRE.

In Jaffna, MRE activities are carried out by three NGOs: Tamil Refugee Rehabilitation Organization (TRRO), Sarvodaya, and White Pigeon. From January 2003 to March 2004, Sarvodaya conducted 45 programs for 4,511 participants, TRRO’s theatre group ran drama programs for 2,966 participants, and, White Pigeon conducted MRE activities in 442 communities and 167 schools for a total 6,787 participants. With the collaboration of the Jaffna District Mine Action Office, UNICEF organized a “MRE Week” in September 2003.

In Vavuniya and Mannar, the NGO Community Trust Fund (CTF) provided MRE to around 25,000 IDPs through presentations, cultural programs, home visits and group discussions in 2003. Prior to the introduction of MRE in the school curricula, CTF conducted MRE programs in schools. Since October 2003, CTF has being targeting children not attending school who cannot be reached through the national school-based MRE program. It also provides training to in-service advisors and teachers to implement the national school-based program. By March 2004, more than 7,000 teachers had been trained to impart mine risk education.[81]

In the LTTE-controlled districts of Killinochchi and Mullaitivu, White Pigeon with the support of UNICEF deploys 10 MRE teams. From January 2003 to March 2004, White Pigeon carried out MRE programs in 175 schools and 75 preschools, reaching about 3,500 children. In addition, street dramas, local newspaper advertisements, and radio messages reached about 5,500 communities. It also distributed MRE material such as posters, leaflets and brochures in 290 schools and 20 preschools, and placed billboards along the newly opened A9 highway linking Vavuniya and Jaffna. The White Pigeon MRE teams collected information about disabled persons, including mine survivors, and provided mine/UXO reports to the Humanitarian Demining Unit.

In Batticaloa district, MAG in partnership with TRO provided mine risk education to 2,697 people, and in partnership with White Pigeon in the Vanni delivered MRE to 2,731 beneficiaries from July 2003 to March 2004.[82]

In the Trincomalee district, UNICEF works with Save the Children, White Pigeon and Community Trust Fund. Save the Children, in partnership with 14 children’s clubs and 20 schools, provided basic mine risk education for teachers, and held child-to-child workshops. White Pigeon and CTF have been conducting MRE sessions in many communities, and in 2003 distributed 6,000 pocket calendars containing MRE messages drawn by children, and 6,000 wall calendars with MRE messages.

MRE agencies, as part of their data collection and dissemination activities, had forwarded to demining agencies 50 mine/UXO reports from the Jaffna peninsula and 250 reports from the Killinochchi and Mullaitivu districts, as of March 2004.

MARC reported that it had developed and distributed a mine risk education leaflet in all three languages in early 2003, and that in late 2003 it assisted MAG in publishing a leaflet in the Tamil language.[83]

UNICEF commissioned in late 2003 a Mine Risk Education impact evaluation in Jaffna and the Vammi region, which was completed in early 2004. It found that nearly 99 percent of the target communities were aware of the landmine and UXO threat, while areas that had not received MRE showed a higher rate of mine/UXO incidents and a lesser number of people aware of the real risk of mines. The evaluation concluded that mine-safe behavior resulting from mine risk education might have contributed to the decrease in the mine incident rate registered since 1998, although this cannot be confirmed. The evaluation also revealed that “in spite of MRE, unauthorized de-mining and UXO tampering continue to be reported in some of the project areas.” It called for the “conceptual framework on de-mining in conflict affected countries to be revisited with a view to address the problem of survival de-mining by untrained people.”[84]

Despite the MRE programs, one media report stated that about 2,000 markers identifying minefields or dangerous areas in Jaffna had been removed.[85]

Mine Action Funding

There has been a major expansion of mine action funding for Sri Lanka since the cease-fire took effect in February 2002.[86] According to information provided to Landmine Monitor by 13 donors, contributions to mine action in Sri Lanka in 2003 totaled about US$15.8 million.[87] This compares to about $6 million from eleven donors in 2002. Most mine action activities and mine action funding had halted in 2000 and 2001 due to the escalation of fighting; international donors were reluctant to support mine action as both the government and the rebels continued laying landmines. In both 2002 and 2003, additional funding was provided by international agencies, NGOs and other institutions.

Contributions in 2003 included:[88]

  • Australia: A$1 million ($652,000) to UNICEF and UNDP;
  • Canada: C$105,676 ($76,932) to CIDC-FDC clearance; UNDP advocacy; Landmine Action, Geneva Call, Sri Lanka Campaign to Ban Landmines for workshops;
  • Denmark: DKK12,000,000 ($1,823,700) to DDG for survey and mine/UXO clearance;
  • European Commission: €5,719,000 ($6,471,000) for mine clearance, MRE, surveys and victim assistance;
  • Finland: €162,274 ($183,600) to HALO and MAG for mine clearance;
  • Japan: $1,195,000 for advocacy and prevention, and HALO, MAG, NPA, JICA mine clearance;
  • Netherlands: $465,987 to HALO for mine clearance;
  • New Zealand: $78,300 to UNDP Mine Action Program;
  • Norway: NOK6,211,840 ($877,100) to NPA for mine clearance;
  • Sweden: SEK 4,000,000 ($494,900) to MAG for mine action and mine risk education;
  • Switzerland: $520,000 for an advisor for the Mine Action Center and for FSD demining;
  • United States: $2,424,247 for mine clearance, equipment, training, and support to the national mine action center, and MRE;
  • World Bank: $570,000 for the UNDP Mine Action Program.[89]

In January 2004, the European Commission stated that it had contributed €8.1 million ($9,165,150) toward mine action in Sri Lanka since the cease-fire in February 2002.[90]

UNICEF reports that in 2003 it received a total of $860,000 for MRE and Survivor Assistance: ECHO $360,000; UK (DFID) $150,000; Sweden (SIDA) $100,000; Canada (CIDA) $100,000 and the United States $150,000.[91] Mine action operators also reported receiving funds from Italy and the United Kingdom in 2003, although neither government reported funding for Sri Lanka mine action in 2003.

Landmine Casualties

In 2003, UNDP recorded 99 landmine/UXO casualties, including 24 killed and 75 injured. Of the total casualties, 18 were female and 23 were children under 18-years-of-age; only three were military personnel. The majority of casualties occurred in Jaffna, with two people killed and 50 injured. Landmines caused 44 casualties, UXO 32, and the cause of 23 casualties was unknown.[92] This represents a significant reduction from the 142 new mine/UXO casualties (27 killed and 115 injured) recorded in 2002, and the 201 new mine/UXO casualties in 2001.[93]

In 2003, six deminers were injured during mine clearance operations; at least four were injured in 2002.[94] Since March 2001, more than 40 Sri Lankan Army deminers have been killed or injured in mine clearance activities.[95]

Casualties continue to be recorded in 2004. From January to June, 33 new mine/UXO casualties were recorded, including 19 people killed and 14 injured. The majority of casualties were caused by UXO (61 percent).[96]

Since 2003, the UNDP IMSMA database has become a reliable source of information on landmine and UXO casualties in Sri Lanka. All mine incidents causing casualties are investigated within 24 hours of the UNDP receiving notification.[97] At least 724 new landmine/UXO casualties have been recorded since 1999.[98] The database contains records of 958 civilian mine/UXO casualties from 1995 to 10 February 2003, of which 139 people were killed, and 819 injured.[99] The current status of the database was not made available to Landmine Monitor. UNDP believes that the actual number of casualties is higher than currently recorded.[100] In addition, Sri Lanka reports 3,005 military and police casualties attributable to landmines.[101]

Survivor Assistance

According to a UN Mine Action Service mission in June 2001, Sri Lanka has sufficient transportation and medical infrastructure to provide the necessary medical care to civilian landmine casualties; however, infrastructure was likely to be less adequate in LTTE-controlled areas. In the Jaffna peninsula, the Jaffna Teaching Hospital and the Point Pedro Hospital provide secondary surgical treatment while three other hospitals have limited capacities for providing emergency care.[102] Since January 2003, the District Mine Action Office has coordinated mine survivor assistance activities in the Jaffna district.[103]

Since 1999, the ICRC, working with the Sri Lankan Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross, has provided basic health services in remote areas through support to up to 28 public health centers and six mobile clinics. The ICRC has also organized three training seminars on war surgery in collaboration with the Sri Lankan College of Surgeons and the Sri Lanka Army’s medical services since 2001; 80 surgeons participated in 2003.[104]

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) supported medical and surgical facilities in the LTTE-controlled area until 2003, by which time the cease-fire had improved the situation considerably.

Sri Lanka has several prosthetic clinics that are generally able to respond to the physical rehabilitation needs of civilian mine/UXO survivors in government-controlled areas, with financial assistance from several national and international organizations, including the ICRC and the UK NGO Motivation.

The ICRC supported the Jaffna Jaipur Disability Rehabilitation Center (formerly Friends-in-Need Society) with the introduction of polypropylene technology, materials, and on-the-job training for technicians between 1999 and 2003. Prostheses are also made with the traditional aluminum technology. At least two technicians also received training at the ICRC Prosthetic-Orthotic Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Since March 1999, the center produced more than 1,201 prostheses (662 for mine survivors) and 184 orthoses (at least three for mine survivors), and distributed 338 crutches and 149 wheelchairs. This includes in 2003 at least 273 prostheses (145 for mine survivors), 32 orthoses (one for a mine survivor), 48 crutches and seven wheelchairs. Motivation has now taken over support of the center.[105]

Other centers providing prosthetics and physiotherapy include the Jaipur Foot Center in Mannar which produced 64 prostheses for mine survivors in 2003,[106] and the Kundasale Jaipur Center for Disability, which produced 199 prostheses for mine survivors in 2003.[107] The Jaipur Foot Centers in Kundasale and Mannar produced 285 prostheses for mine survivors in 2002.[108] In 2001, the Friends-in-Need Society’s Colombo prosthetic workshop provided prostheses to 343 security forces personnel and 17 civilians injured by landmines.[109] Other facilities provided 189 prostheses for mine survivors in 2001.[110]

A British NGO, Hope for Children, works in partnership with the Colombo Friends-in-Need Society to assist child landmine survivors by fitting artificial limbs and providing physical and psychological assessment. Assistance is also available to attend school or vocational training programs. In September 2001, Hope for Children introduced an artificial limb manufacturing and fitting vehicle that travels to remote and isolated areas. The project was supported by the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.[111]

The NGO White Pigeon operates two prosthetic workshops in the LTTE-controlled area. In 2003, 540 prostheses were produced and 152 crutches and 75 wheelchairs provided, primarily for mine survivors.[112] In 2002, 343 prostheses were produced. The workshops also distribute crutches, wheelchairs and tricycles. Nine male and two female prosthetic technicians are employed; two are amputees. White Pigeon also provides vocational training for persons with disabilities in sewing, weaving and typing. In December 2002, White Pigeon opened a prosthetics workshop in the government-controlled area in Jaffna. However, as of March 2003, it had not been able to secure sufficient funding to begin operations.[113] The workshops have been supported by UNICEF and the ICRC.[114] In 2001, White Pigeon reported that there were over 400 amputees on the waiting list for prostheses.[115]

In April 2002, Motivation started a five-year Disability Support Program in Sri Lanka with the aim of improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities, including mine survivors. Motivation works with local NGOs and associations in the areas of physical rehabilitation, production of prosthetics, orthotics and other assistive devices, socio-economic reintegration, and advocacy. Since 2002, staff from nine local organizations enrolled in a three-year prosthetics and orthotics course, three more are taking courses in rehabilitation therapy, together with on-going training for technicians and physical therapy assistants. The program is funded by the US government’s Leahy War Victims Fund.[116]

UNICEF supports psychosocial counseling and community-based rehabilitation through local NGOs including the Association for Rehabilitation of Displaced (AROD), Killinochchi Association for Rehabilitation of Displaced (KAROD), Shanthiham, White Pigeon, and the Family Rehabilitation Center.[117] AROD provides rehabilitation treatment and physiotherapy including home care, as well as distributing wheelchairs, tricycles and crutches, and limited psychosocial support. AROD also provides school kits, small grants and some vocational training.[118] The Family Rehabilitation Center provides physiotherapy treatments at their clinic.[119] The NGO Shanthiham conducts assessments at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital for mine survivors soon after the mine incident and provides psychosocial support during their stay in hospital and after returning home.[120]

In February 2003, UNDP announced the start of its “Disability Assistance Project” which is being implemented in partnership with AROD in the Jaffna district. The project is intended to restore sustainable livelihoods and promote the economic reintegration of mine survivors and other persons with physical disabilities. The program includes vocational training, training in managing a small business, and start-up loans for small business.[121] In 2003, the DMAO Jaffna conducted a two-day training seminar for organizations involved in income generation programs for mine survivors.[122]

Assistance for income-generating activities is provided by several organizations. The local NGO Sarvodaya provides loans of up to $120 to set up small businesses; 100 mine survivors benefited from the program in 2003. Of these, 81 families received a $30 grant for the education of their children.[123] Jaipur Foot provides loans of between US$25 and $100 (Rs.2500 and Rs.10,000) to boost income generating activities. The government also distributes small grants through its local offices.[124] AROD provided grants for small business to at least 30 mine/UXO survivors in 2003.[125] The Jaffna Jaipur Disability Rehabilitation Center provides loans of up to $10 for income-generating activities and grants of $2.50 per month for disabled school children.[126] TRO provides small business loans of up to $50; 200 landmine/UXO survivor benefited from this scheme in 2003.[127]

Two landmine survivors participated in the Raising the Voices program held during the May 2003 intersessional Standing Committee meetings in Geneva.

Disability Policy and Practice

The 1996 “Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act” established the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. However, the Act only mentions the rights of persons with disabilities to non-discrimination in employment and education.[128] The government provides mine/UXO survivors with a one-time grant depending on the severity of their disability.[129]

Military mine survivors receive rehabilitation, including prostheses, counseling, vocational training and reemployment within the armed services, and free bus and train passes.[130]

In August 2002, the Ministry of Social Welfare appointed a committee to draft a National Disability Policy. The policy includes strategies for health, vocational training and employment, and poverty alleviation, and applies to all persons with disabilities, including those affected by armed conflict. The policy calls for a holistic approach involving community-based rehabilitation, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.[131] The Cabinet approved the National Disability Policy in August 2003.[132]


[1] Statement by Sri Lank, Standing Committee on the General Status and Operation of the Convention, Geneva, 9 February 2004.
[2] Secretary to the Prime Minister Bradman Weerakoon was quoted saying, “The government, while being willing, could not ban the use of anti-personnel mines until the LTTE agreed to follow suit,” in Namini Wijedasa, “Tigers must agree to ban mines too,” The Island, 7 December 2003. See also, Bandula Jayasekera, “LTTE has not fully co-operated with Mine Action Programme,” The Island, 19 December 2003; Landmine Monitor Report 2003, pp. 685-686.
[3] Sri Lanka did not attend the 2001 Meeting of States Parties in Nicaragua.
[4] Statement by Sri Lanka, Standing Committee on the General Status, 9 February 2004.
[5] The Island, 14 July 2004, p.2; The Daily Mirror, 14 July 2004, p.4.
[6] Ibid.
[7] “Australian aid for Lanka’s landmine action project,” The Daily News, 22 March 2004, p. 3; interview with Mr. H. Onishi, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan, Colombo, 20 April 2004; telephone interview with Martin Stuerzinger, Advisor, Embassy of Switzerland, Colombo, 30 April 2004.
[8] Email from Judy Grayson, Chief Advisor for Mine Action, UNDP, Sri Lanka, 23 April 2004.
[9] Email from MARC, 19 April 2004. In December 2001, the non-governmental Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies established the MARC, with the objective of providing a facilitation and liaison body for Sri Lankan and international agencies involved in mine action or working in affected areas. See Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 749.
[10] Email from Katherine Kramer, Program Officer, Geneva Call, 19 April 2004.
[11] Telephone interview with Martin Stuerzinger, Embassy of Switzerland, 30 April 2004.
[12] IRPF is a member of the Sri Lankan Campaign to Ban Landmines.
[13] Notes by Landmine Monitor researcher who participated and made a presentation on behalf of IRPF.
[14] Email from Tamil Rehabilitation Organization, 11 April 2004.
[15] “SLA lays new minefield near Jaffna village,” TamilNet, 7 December 2003; “Manalkadu villagers say SLA laid new mines,” TamilNet, 9 December 2003; “Manalkadu SLA minefield issue before HRC,” TamilNet, 11 December 2003.
[16] Email from Tim Horner, Technical Advisor for Mine Action, UNDP, Jaffna, 1 September 2004.
[17] Email from Brig. Ananda Chandrasiri, Commander, Engineer Brigade, Sri Lanka Army, 22 April 2004.
[18] Statement by Sri Lanka, Standing Committee on the General Status, 9 February 2004.
[19] “Suspected Tamil Rebels Attack Sri Lanka Patrol,” Associated Press (Colombo), 23 August 2004. The LTTE blamed members of a group of former LTTE fighters who broke away in March 2004; the LTTE accuses security forces of supporting the breakaway faction.
[20] Telephone interview with Elmo Anandarajah, District Mine Action Office, Jaffna, 21 April 2004; telephone interview with Valon Kumnova, Sri Lanka Program Manager, HALO Trust, 21 April 2004.
[21] See Landmine Monitor Report 2001, p. 577; Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p.747.
[22] Email from UNHCR, 21 April 2004.
[23] Dilanthi Jayamanne, “Sri Lanka will be mine free by year 2006,” The Island, 27 March 2004, p. 2.
[24] Statement by Brig. Ananda Chandrasiri, Sri Lanka Army, A Conference on the antipersonnel landmine issue in Sri Lanka, Colombo, 26 July 2003. He confirmed this number in an email to Landmine Monitor on 22 April 2004. In 2002, HALO estimated that the Sri Lankan Army laid 900,000 mines in Jaffna and Killinochchi. HALO, “Sri Lanka Minefield Survey Report,” Edition one, January 2002.
[25] In July 2004, the head of the National Steering Committee for Mine Action cited 1.5 million. “Sri Lanka: Ethiopians Find Familiarity in Minefields,” Inter Press Service (Colombo), 26 July 2004. See also, “Sri Lanka government, Tamil Tigers urged to ban mines,” Associated Press (Colombo), 14 July 2004; “Working in a minefield,” The Sunday Observer, 11 January 2004, p.41; “Comprehensive humanitarian mine action programme,” The Daily Mirror, 5 December 2003, p. 2.
[26] See Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 747. The 1 million estimate is attributed to Bradman Weerakoon, Secretary to the Prime Minister, in Faraza Farook, “Call for a better mine action programme,” Sunday Times, 21 July 2002, p. 5.
[27] Email from Matthew Todd, Mine Area Database Manager, UNDP, 16 April 2004.
[28] Only half of the Army’s records include details on the size of the minefields laid and these total 23 million square meters. The 50 million square meter estimate is based on the assumption that the other half cover a similar area. Email from Matthew Todd, UNDP, 16 April 2004.
[29] Lyndon Jeffels, “De-mining--Neutralising the risks,” The Daily Mirror, 6 December 2003, p. 7. Previously, UNDP told Landmine Monitor that IMSMA had recorded approximately 2,577 dangerous areas and minefields at the end of March 2003. Interview with Alex van Roy, Chief Technical Advisor Mine Action, UNDP, Colombo, 3 April 2003.
[30] Statement by Sri Lanka, Standing Committee on the General Status, 9 February 2004. A similar statement was in a National Steering Committee on Mine Action press release titled, “Your safety, Mine Action, Our Future,” Colombo, 4 December 2003.
[31] Lyndon Jeffels, “De-mining–Neutralising the risks,” The Daily Mirror, 6 December 2003, p. 7.
[32] Email from Christoph Hebeisen, Program Manger, FSD, 19 April 2004.
[33] Email from Abigail Hartley, Program Manager, MAG Sri Lanka, 12 April 2004.
[34] High priority includes minefields in populated areas or areas soon to be resettled, or where the local population is compelled to use the area despite the threat. A total of 8.96 million square meters were classified as medium priority; where the minefields are close to populated areas, may block access to infrastructure and agricultural land, but the local population knows the area and can avoid it. A total of 1.7 million square meters were classified as low priority. See Landmine Monitor Report 2003, p. 688.
[35] Email from Valon Kumnova, Program Manager, HALO Trust, 21 April 2004.
[36] For details see Landmine Monitor Report 2000, p. 536.
[37] Telephone interview with Brig. Ananda Chandrasiri, Sri Lanka Army, 22 April 2004.
[38] Telephone interview with Judy Grayson, UNDP, 30 August 2004.
[39] See Landmine Monitor Report 2003, p. 689.
[40] The AMOA in Vavuniya oversees the Mannar district.
[41] UNDP Briefing paper provided to Landmine Monitor, March 2004, pp.1-2.
[42] Ibid, p. 1.
[43] Ibid, p. 2.
[44] Email from Tamil Rehabilitation Organization, 11 April 2004.
[45] Ibid.
[46] Email from Judy Grayson, UNDP, 23 April 2004.
[47] Email from MARC, 19 April 2004.
[48] Email from Matthew Todd, UNDP, 16 April 2004.
[49] See Landmine Monitor Report 2000, p. 536.
[50] Note to Landmine Monitor researcher from Sri Lanka Engineering Brigade, 3 April 2003; interview with Alex van Roy, UNDP, 3 April 2003.
[51] Email from Matthew Todd, UNDP, 16 April 2004.
[52] Email from Brig. Ananda Chandrasiri, Sri Lanka Army, 22 April 2004.
[53] Ibid.
[54] Telephone interview with Brig. Ananda Chandrasiri, Sri Lanka Army, 2 September 2004.
[55] Ibid.
[56] Email from Matthew Todd, UNDP, 16 April 2004.
[57] Email from Tamil Rehabilitation Organization, 11 April 2004.
[58] Email from Abigail Hartley, MAG, 12 April 2004.
[59] Ibid.
[60] Email from Matthew Todd, UNDP, 16 April 2004.
[61] Email from Harald Smedsrud, Program Manager, NPA Sri Lanka, 20 April 2004.
[62] The rake method was reviewed by senior technical staff of NPA and MAG, and SOPs were agreed for the use of this method with the specific environment and mine types prevalent in Sri Lanka. Email from Tim Carstairs, Policy Director, MAG, 6 October 2004.
[63] Email from Harald Smedsrud, NPA, 20 April 2004.
[64] Email from Matthew Todd, UNDP, 16 April 2004.
[65] Email from Christoph Hebeisen, Sri Lanka Program Manager, FSD, 19 April 2004.
[66] Ibid.
[67] Email from Matthew Todd, UNDP, 16 April 2004.
[68] Email from Paul Mackintosh, Program Manager, DDG, 22 April 2004. It intends to expand its activities in 2004 with four additional MDTs and three Technical Survey sections, and expects to obtain a mechanical vegetation cutter.
[69] Email from Matthew Todd, UNDP, 16 April 2004.
[70] Email from Valon Kumnova, Sri Lanka Program Manager, HALO, 21 April 2004.
[71] Email from Matthew Todd, UNDP, 16 April 2004.
[72] Telephone interview with Dr. Imthiyaz Ismail, MMIP, 26 April 2004.
[73] Email from Matthew Todd, UNDP, 16 April 2004.
[74] Email from Tomoko Noda, Administrative Coordinator, Japan Center for Conflict Prevention, Sri Lanka, 23 April 2004.
[75] All information in this section, unless otherwise noted, is from: Email from Hanoch Barlevi, Project Officer Protection-Landmines, UNICEF, Sri Lanka, 2 March 2004.
[76] Ibid, 12 July 2004.
[77] See Landmine Monitor Report 2000, p. 536.
[78] During the period of expanded hostilities, UNICEF continued to support mine risk education through government structures, the Refugee Rehabilitation Organization and Save the Children-UK in the Jaffna peninsula under government control and through the local NGO White Pigeon in LTTE-controlled areas. See Landmine Monitor Report 2001 and 2002.
[79] Emails from Hanoch Barlevi, UNICEF, 22 April 2004 and 12 July 2004.
[80] UNDP, Mine Action Information Bulletin, 2nd edition (no date); “Mine Action Media campaign,” The Island, 23 December 2003, p.2.
[81] Telephone interview with Hanoch Barlevi, UNICEF, 29 April 2004.
[82] Email from Abigail Hartley, MAG, 12 April 2004.
[83] Email from MARC, 19 April 2004.
[84] “Extract of draft MRE Evaluation Report,” emailed by Hanoch Barlevi, UNICEF, 21 May 2004.
[85] Lyndon Jeffels, “De-mining--Neutralising the risks,” The Daily Mirror, 6 December 2003, p. 7.
[86] This section uses exchange rates from US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (annual),” 5 January 2004, which has average rates for 2003.
[87] Unless otherwise noted, information comes from the individual country reports in this edition of Landmine Monitor Report. In some cases, the funding was for the country’s fiscal year, not calendar year 2003. Landmine Monitor has converted the currencies and rounded off numbers.
[88] US dollars unless otherwise noted.
[89] Email from Nina Kataja, Post-Conflict Analyst, The World Bank, Colombo, 22 April 2004. This was part of a US$1 million contribution for 2002 and 2003.
[90] Press Release, by the European Union Delegation in Sri Lanka, 20 January 2004.
[91] Email from Hanoch Barlevi, UNICEF, 2 March 2004.
[92] Email from Matz Wennerstrom, IMSMA Advisor, UNDP, 17 August 2004.
[93] Interview with Matthew Todd, UNDP, 19 May 2003; email from Matthew Todd, UNDP, 18 February 2003.
[94] “Summary of mine and UXO incidents 2003,” UNDP IMSMA, 3 March 2004; Note from Tamil Rehabilitation Organization, 3 April 2003.
[95] Presentation by Sri Lanka, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education, and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 May 2003.
[96] Email from Matz Wennerstrom, UNDP, 17 August 2004.
[97] Statement by Alex Van Roy, Chief Technical Advisor, UNDP, ICBL/Landmine Monitor Researchers Meeting, Colombo, 27 January 2003.
[98] LM analysis of casualty data sent by UNDP in 2003, together with statistics for 2003 and 2004.
[99] Email from Matthew Todd, UNDP, 18 February 2003; Presentation by Sri Lanka, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, 14 May 2003.
[100] Interview with Matthew Todd, UNDP, 3 April 2003.
[101] Presentation by Sri Lanka, Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, 14 May 2003.
[102] Email from Tim Horner, Technical Advisor, UNDP (Jaffna), 23 March 2003; UNMAS, “Mission Report: Sri Lanka,” 4-22 June 2001, p. 10.
[103] Sri Lanka UN Mine Action Support, “Information Bulletin,” 2nd edition, December 2003, p. 8.
[104] ICRC Special Reports, “Mine Action 2003,” Geneva, August 2004, p. 35; “Mine Action 2002,” July 2003, p. 33; “Mine Action 2001,” July 2002, p. 25; “Mine Action 2000,” July 2001, p. 23; “Mine Action 1999,” August 2000, p. 28. “Annual Report 2002,” June 2003, p. 172; ICRC Special Report, Mine Action 2001, ICRC, Geneva, July 2002, p. 25.
[105] ICRC Physical Rehabilitation Programs, “Annual Report 2003,” Geneva, 9 March 2004, pp. 14 and 26; “Annual Report 2002,” Geneva, June 2003; “Annual Report 2001,” Geneva, 14 April 2002; “Annual Report 2000,” Geneva, 31 March 2001; “Annual Report 1999,” Geneva, 31 March 2000, p. 11.
[106] Email from S. Shanmuganathan, Jaipur Foot Center, Mannar, 23 April 2004.
[107] Telephone interview with Sashivarni Arumugam, Accountant, Center for Disability, Kundasale, 23 April 2004.
[108] Fax from S. Arumugam, Jaipur Foot Center, Kundasale, 22 March 2003; interview with N. Sivanandan, Administrative Secretary, Jaipur Foot Center, Jaffna, 2 April 2003; email from Rtn. S. Shanmuganathan, Jaipur Foot Center, Mannar, 2 April 2003.
[109] Fax from Rupa Jayasekera, Administrative Secretary, Colombo Friends-in-Need Society, 27 March 2002.
[110] Landmine Monitor Report 2002, p. 752.
[111] Hope for Children, “Annual Report 2002/03,” available at www.hope-for-children.org .
[112] Telephone interview with Chandru Pararajasingham, Program Coordinator, Tamil Rehabilitation Organization, 29 April 2004.
[113] Presentation by S.S. Pillai, Administrator, White Pigeon, during ICBL/Landmine Monitor researchers’ visit, Killinochi, 30 January 2003; email from Tim Horner, UNDP, 23 March 2003.
[114] Telephone interview with Jean-Luc Bories, UNICEF, 5 April 2002; telephone interview with Jean-Luc Noverraz, ICRC Colombo, 5 April 2002.
[115] Interview with S.S. Pillai, Administrator of White Pigeon, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 31 March 2001.
[116] Motivation, “Motif,” Newsletter, Issue 20, Summer 2004; Patrick J Leahy War Victims Fund, “2004 Portfolio Synopsis,” USAID, pp. 54-55.
[117] Email from Melanie Reimer, UNDP (Jaffna), 2 June 2003; telephone interview and email from Jean-Luc Bories, UNICEF, 5 April 2002.
[118] Email from Tim Horner, UNDP, 23 March 2003.
[119] Email from Elmo Anandarajah, DMAO, Jaffna, 21 April 2004.
[120] Sri Lanka UN Mine Action Support, “Information Bulletin,” 2nd edition, December 2003, p. 8.
[121] Email from Tim Horner, UNDP, 23 March 2003; UNDP press release, “Jaffna Disability Assistance Project – 28/02/03,” available at www.undp.lk/transition/news_events.html, accessed 22 June 2003.
[122] Sri Lanka UN Mine Action Support, “Information Bulletin,” 2nd edition, December 2003, p. 10.
[123] Email from Vigneswary Kanganathan, SA Coordinator, DMOA, Jaffna, 30 April 2004; email from Melanie Reimer, UNDP, 2 June 2003.
[124] Email from Tim Horner, UNDP, 23 March 2003.
[125] Email from Elmo Anandarajah, DMAO, Jaffna, 21 April 2004.
[126] Telephone interview with N. Sivanathan, Administrative Secretary, Jaffna Jaipur Disability Rehabilitation Center, 22 April 2004.
[127] Telephone interview with Chandru Pararajasingham, Program Coordinator, Tamil Rehabilitation Organization, 29 April 2004.
[128] Cyril Siriwardane, “Review Paper-Sri Lanka,” presentation to the Regional Workshop towards a Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities, Bangkok, Thailand, 14-17 October 2003.
[129] Sri Lanka UN Mine Action Support, “Information Bulletin,” 2nd edition, December 2003, p. 8.
[130] Sri Lanka Presentation to the Standing Committee on Mine Clearance, Mine Risk Education, and Mine Action Technologies, Geneva, 14 May 2003.
[131] Cyril Siriwardane, “Review Paper-Sri Lanka,” presentation to the Regional Workshop towards a Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities, Bangkok, Thailand, 14-17 October 2003.
[132] Nadira Gunatilleke, “Cabinet approves National Policy on Disabled,” Daily News, 19 August 2003.