Sri Lanka: EU Ambassador visits the Northern Province

Launches EU-funded demining project in Muhamalai

–Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Sri Lanka, H.E. Denis Chaibi, visited the Northern Province from 15 to 17 January 2020.

EU Ambassador Denis Chaibi in Muhamalai with HALO Sri Lanka representatives

Ambassador Chaibi launched an EU-funded demining project implemented by HALO Sri Lanka during a visit to the Muhamalai minefield on 17 January 2020. The EUR 2.5 million grant will support mine clearance in Muhamalai, Sri Lanka's densest and one of the largest and most complex minefields in the world, as well as training of mine clearance personnel. HALO Sri Lanka will train and deploy 22 demining teams with the support of the EU.

Speaking at the launch of the project, Ambassador Chaibi noted that the European Union's contribution to mine clearance is part of the overall EU support for resettlement of internally displaced persons. He said "More than ten years after the end of the war, the threat of mines is an ongoing concern for people in the region. Successive governments have taken concrete steps towards making Sri Lanka safe from the threat of landmines, including by accession to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. I am pleased that the EU, through HALO Sri Lanka, is able to contribute to the ongoing work of helping the local population to re-settle and re-build their lives in safety".

EU Delegation representatives with returnees to Intherapuram village

During his two-day visit, Ambassador Chaibi also met the Governor of the Northern Province P.S.M. Charles, Jaffna Security Forces Commander Major General P.R. Wanigasooriya, and civil society representatives. He also visited another ongoing EU-funded project in the North implemented by the Family Rehabilitation Center providing psychosocial support to vulnerable community members especially women, men, and youth affected by trauma.

EU Ambassador Denis Chaibi speaking to local deminers