The United Nations Development Program said Thursday, that they will strengthen ongoing de-mining efforts in the North, with a technical assistance grant of US$ 3.2 mn.
Since a ceasefire 19 months ago, there has been humanitarian mine assistance to remove some 1.
5 mn landmines still lying buried in private and fertile agricultural lands in the North.
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rnMost of that assistance has come from Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), supported by donations from countries like Britain, Australia and donors like the World Bank and UNDP.rn
rnldblquote This is an important input into Sri Lankas mine action program and will go towards maintaining the project at its highest level of efficiency dblquote , Secretary to the Prime Minister, Bradman Weerakoon said.rn
rnThe technical assistance will shore up ongoing efforts in the field, with a mine risk education program and maintaining quality control of clearance methods.rn
rnIt will also put together a database of information on lands cleared and su