The Milinda Moragoda Institute for Peoples Empowerment (MMIPE), a registered Non Governmental organization, in its desire to contribute to the peace process, undertook a pilot project on ‘Mine Action Cooperation’ with the assistance of the government of Norway in 2003. Besides the primary objective of the resettlement of displaced persons, the project sought to strengthen Indo-Lanka relations. It also sought to build local capacity. In pursuance of the above stated objectives MMIPE retained the services of two Indian NGOs to undertake de-mining in Lanka.

Landmines have been condemned worldwide as indiscriminate and brutal. Significant results have been achieved in banning both production and use of this weapon, Regrettably however it is still in use in certain parts of the world. This is the case in Sri Lanka where the weapon has been, in various forms, in extensive use by both parties in our conflict.

The MMIPE views the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDP) to their original homes as an important element in building a lasting solution to the conflict.

Peace, though an abstract notion becomes a reality when those who have suffered are able to reap the fruits of normalcy or a state of near-normalcy. Since undoing the results of war is the first step towards achieving peace, clearing of lands that were once laid with mines and returning such land to those who rightfully own them, is a very significant step.

The two Indian NGOs initially undertook two projects in the Vavuniya district. Sarvathra was instrumental in the clearing of Salambaikulam, and Horizon took on Kurukalputhukulam North. Both teams consisted of well-trained, energetic young people, originally 60 in number. The teams symbolized the concept of national integration as they came from different parts of India, speaking different languages and with different outlooks, but working towards the common goal of de-mining.

Sarvatra was able to clear 08 anti-personal mines, 3 anti-tank mines and 45 unexploded ordinance (UXOs) and 03 UXOs at Salambai-kulam. An area of 203,000 sq meters of land was cleared. At Omanthai, Sarvatra found 43 anti-personal mines, 45 UXOs and 03 anti-tank mines. They cleared an area 63,000 sq. meters at Omanthai. The Norwegian Ambassador Hans Bratskar had the pleasure of seeing for himself a luxuriant rice cultivation at the site of the former mine-field. At Kurukalputhu-kulam the NGO Horizon, engaged two trained dogs Akash and Prithvi too for their work. They handed over 167,500 sq meters in which they cleared 1,667 mines and 03 UXOs. Two officers and 32 de-miners with two dogs were employed at Kurukkalaputhu-kulam.

The two areas have been cleared of mines to international standards. The handing over of two mine-cleared areas, Salambaikulam and Kurukalputhukulam in the Vavuniya. District took place on November 31 last year.

The two teams have now moved, one to Mannar, to Thomaspuri, Sugandhapuri where an extent of 200,000 sq meters has to be cleared of mines. Meanwhile Sarvatra which remains in the Vavuniya district are working at Ganeshapuram where they have already cleared an area of 65,000 sq meters of a total area of 100,000 sq meters. They have unearthed 46 land mines and one UXO. Sarvatra has developed a demining concept which is suitable for the terrain and is not only economical but also safer and faster. They have also improvised and developed a mini two cylinder Excavator, an Anti-Mine Roller, a Raker a ‘Vegetation Cutter’ and a Leveling Blade all of which they are using to expedite their work.

The people who have had to flee from their homes are getting a place in the sun, a part of the world they belong to. The faces of the children of the Kurukalputhukulam girls school, where the ‘handing back the land’ function was held told a story—the story of hope for a better future, to grow into adulthood and live a life of happiness.

The two NGOs have also rebuilt a school and a mosque, in addition to assisting handsomely a home for war orphans in Vavuniya. The members of the two teams have conducted themselves in an exemplary manner and erdeared themselves to the people of the villages where they have worked and continue to work.

But for the Sri Lanka Army and the LTTE, the MMIPE is the only Sri Lanka organization that has started de-mining The MMIPE has also built up local capacity and has trained fifty Sri Lankans in de-mining. The MMIPE wishes here to acknowledge the support it has received from Norway but it must regretfully record the fact that a request to the Japanese government to assist with the purchase of equipment such as an Excavator and a crusher to help expedite our work has been rejected though it was pointed out that the MMIPE has developed local capacity and wishes to undertake at least two more projects.

The Japanese Embassy here has however boasted that it has helped (according to an uncontradicted report in the ‘Island’ newspaper of April 27) the following foreign de-mining organizations, HALO Trust, the Danish De-mining Group and the Swedish Foundation Group to the value of US$ 2.5 million. It may perhaps be because the MMIPE is in partnership with Indian NGOs that it was sidelined. One cannot see one good reason for the Japanese government, which has hitherto played an important role in the peace process refusing to assist the only southern organization involved in de-mining in this country.

As a local commentator states perhaps Japan is in our peace process to acquire political capital for herself to win a seat on the Security Council where she may be in competition with India and needs to win favour with western countries and sees no need to support a local NGO even if sponsored by a former minister. After all, he is a ‘former minister’ and what use would it be to cultivate him?