Sri Lanka Army Boosts Demining Operations to Facilitate Tamil Refugees' Return

Strategic Insights -

Sri Lanka's new army commander, Lt.-Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya, has announced the army's intention to demine former rebel-held areas in northern Sri Lanka to enable the return of hundreds of thousands of Tamil war refugees from internment camps. The operation aims to clear mines in an area of approximately 8,000 square kilometers, including Mannar, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, and parts of Jaffna districts. The goal is to return 80% of the Tamil war refugees to their homes by the end of the year, with international demining experts estimating that disposing of the mines could take decades.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sri Lankan army is deploying 300 soldiers to clear mines in Mannar district, alongside four non-governmental groups, with another 400 soldiers to be added soon.
  • The demining operation aims to clear mines in an area of approximately 8,000 square kilometers, including Mannar, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, and parts of Jaffna districts.
  • The United States has donated $6 million (U.S.) to the demining operations.
  • The government aims to return 80% of the Tamil war refugees to their homes by the end of the year, once the area is deemed safe.
  • Lt.-Gen. Jayasuriya has stated that 50,000 new recruits are needed to consolidate control in former rebel areas and for reconstruction in war-ravaged parts of the island.
  • International demining experts estimate that disposing of the mines could take decades, but mapping out minefields and roping them off would only take about six months.

Statistics:

  • 300 soldiers are currently engaged in clearing mines in Mannar district.
  • The demining operation aims to clear mines in an area of approximately 8,000 square kilometers.
  • The United States has donated $6 million (U.S.) to the demining operations.
  • 50,000 new recruits are needed to consolidate control in former rebel areas.
  • The conflict killed 80,000 to 100,000 people.
  • Over a million mines could be buried in the north.

Sources:

  • Sri Lanka's new army commander, Lt.-Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya, was appointed last month.
  • The Tamil Tiger rebels began fighting in 1983 for a separate homeland for the Tamil minority.
  • Rights groups say the detention of civilians in camps is illegal.