Swiss Foundation for Mine Action

FSD Tajikistan successfully conducted WAD training for security agencies of Tajikistan

it@fsd.ch (Swiss Foundation for Mine Action) — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:10:43 +0000

February 2013. Dushanbe, Tajikistan. FSD Tajikistan competed training on Weapons and Ammunition Destruction (WAD) for FSD staff as well as for representatives of different security agencies of Tajikistan. 10 representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Border Guards and National Guard participated and successfully completed the course. The training is divided into theory and practical parts. The theoretical part of the training includes the recognition of ammunition and weapons, methods of initiation and misfire drill, ammunition transportation, storage and demolition, plus first aid topics. The practical part is conducted in Lahur CDS where the participants practice a live demolition.

Since the beginning of the WAD Project FSD Tajikistan conducts this kind of training every year and during the last 3 years 48 representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Guards and Border Guards participated and successfully completed it.

After successful completion of the trainings, the trainees will be able to formulate and apply innovative solutions to complex technical problems in relation to the destruction of weapons and ammunition.

One of the participants, Captain Naim Azizov from the Ministry of Interior (MoI) of Tajikistan mentions:” The training was very crucial for us as the Ministry of Defence is the only government agency in Tajikistan that is dealing with Weapons and Ammunition disposal issues however we (at MoI) need qualified staff. The subjects covered in the trainings may be put in one book but it could take months in order to understand it. FSD was able to conduct the course very brief but at the same time very detailed and understandable. During the training we have learned a lot, and there were some topics that we didn’t know previously. We will make our best efforts to disseminate the knowledge and information obtained here among our colleagues. This is not the first time that FSD cooperates with the MoI and we greatly appreciate it.”

The Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) operates in Tajikistan since 2003, based on a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan which was ratified by parliament in 2004. FSD’s overarching aim is to alleviate and diminish the social, economic and environmental impacts of landmines and unexploded ordnance, thus creating favorable conditions for the reconstruction and development of war-torn countries.

International Mine Action Day - FSD Sri Lanka keeps it real

it@fsd.ch (Swiss Foundation for Mine Action) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 11:00:22 +0000

FSD organized an exhibition among 12 Community Based Organizations (CBO) in Kokkuthuduwai region, on the theme of “Stay Safe - Bright Future” in order to mark International Mine Action Day on 04 April 2013. The aim of this exhibition is to enhance the knowledge of safe behaviour and avoid accidents related to mines and unexploded ordnance in day-to-day activities for a better understanding among the youth and elders in Kokkuthuduwai North, South and Centre in Mullaitivu District. The event was held in Kokkuthuduwal Centre Government Tamil Mix school compound.

The 12 CBOs that took part in the exhibition were Rural Development Society, Women’s Rural Development Society and Sanasa Society in Kokkuthuduwai North, Farmers' Society, Rural Development Society, Women’s Rural Development Society and Sanasa Society in Kokkuthuduwai West/South, Farmers' Society, Rural Development Society, Women’s Rural Development Society and Sanasa Society in Kokkuthuduwai Centre and Fisheries Society in Kokkuthuduwai. In order to reward the 156 participants, FSD organized a prize giving ceremony and distributed certificates and trophies to the CBOs that presented the best three creations.

On this special day, FSD presented long-term service recognition awards to staff that have contributed a long term of service and shown exemplary service for FSD since year 2002.

“Mine clearance prevents an indiscriminate weapon from causing harm after two decades of civil war, while also creating jobs, transforming danger zones into productive land and setting societies on course for lasting security. FSD has made impressive progress toward eliminating landmines and explosive remnants of war over a 10-year period of time clearing nearly 37Km2 and removing over 108,000 antipersonnel mines. Our work has enabled to open up roads, IDPs to return back to their homes and start farming, children to go back to school, access for safe drinking water, ladies to collect firewood and look after cattle farms, development aid agencies to start follow on projects, housing, constructions and many more. We have made more than 2,000 wells free of explosive remnants of war” stated Mr Clinton Smith, Country Programme Manager FSD, addressing the audience.

FSD would like to extend its gratitude to the Chief Guest, General Mark, SF Commander Mullaitivu, Additional Government Agent Vavuniya, Mr Mohan Raj, and other special guests, Mr Varatharajah Murugathas, Mine Action Officer, Regional Mine Action Office North East, Landmine Monitor and representatives from UNICEF, RDF, IOM, UNHCR, NMAC, RMAO etc.

During the event, FSD supported "Lend Your Leg" campaign, with the distinguished guests rolling up a pant leg to stop the damage landmines still cause while showing solidarity with all survivors of landmines and other explosive remnants of war.

The gift items for the winners were sponsored by Sri Lanka Tea Board, Mr. Murugan, Edge Group (Pvt) Ltd and Mr Asanka Jayathilaka. The food and beverage for all the attendees at the event was sponsored by Prima Group of Ceylon Agro Industries and Nestle Lanka.

Integrated Applications Promotion Program (IAP) of ESA

it@fsd.ch (Swiss Foundation for Mine Action) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:01:44 +0000

On February 13^th, at the Rolex Learning Center of EPFL in Lausanne, the Ambassador Platform (AP)-Swiss Opening Conference took place (www.ap-swiss.ch), hosted by Mr Jose Achache and at the presence of nearly 100 persons from companies, UN and institutes of research.

The AP is part of the initiatives supported by the Integrated Applications Promotion Programme (IAP) of ESA, the European Space Agency (www.esa.com) , aiming to promote and support service integrating multiple space systems (Telecommunication, Navigation, Earth Observation, Manned Space Technologies) with non-space assets.

The objectives of the conference were

* to present the current capabilities that space infrastructures can offer
* to introduce the new opportunities offered by the IAP programme of ESA
* to identify the priority know-how and needs of the Swiss industry, including both service providers and end users.

Director General Hansjorg Eberle and Head of Operations Valeria Fabbroni attended the event, during which they were given space to present on the subjectSpace and UAV needs for demining, which is possible to vision here.

The presentation aimed to show the limitations still present in the integration of use of space system and UAV with the traditional demining operations implemented by FSD in the different theaters of operations and have feedback from people present at the conference.

FSD had the opportunity to share the difficulties encountered, and ask for support from the private sector to enhance the process of modernization and research for less expensive and more effective approach to clearance.

FSD Blood Donors Sparkle and Shine – Sri Lanka

it@fsd.ch (Swiss Foundation for Mine Action) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:00:19 +0000

Following annual staff refresher training in Mulliyawelei GN Division, Mullaitivu District, hundreds of FSD staff lined up on Saturday 05th January to donate blood destined for the most vulnerable and war affected community in Northern Sri Lanka. Blood donations are a vital resource to help treat health conditions including cancer and long term illnesses, people involved in accidents and in maternity care.

Dr. Dushyantha, the blood bank Assistant in Jaffna appealed in September last year for everyone, including de-mining firms, to contribute whatever they could. Everyday area hospitals are filled with surgery patients, premature babies, accident victims and other ill and injured people who need transfusions to live. The de-mining teams in Mullaitivu and Vavuniya wanted to provide a way for locals to help out the Northern Province, and help with the blood shortage.The Chief medic of FSD gathered the staff who volunteered to donate blood.

With littleelse to offer, 120 staff including 12 female de-miners and 78 male de-miners waited quietly to give their blood. The remainder of the staff were represented by community liaison, supervisors, national operations manager, medics and drivers.“When I joined FSD, I thought that I was an official life-saver but now I feel that I am not only officially helping the community but personally helping as well to save lives. I am proud of myself”, says Thulasi, one of FSD’s female de-miners. The commitment of de-miners and other teams proves that they are motivated towards the spirit of volunteerism.

After the donation, FSD blood donors received their official Sri Lanka Blood Center Donor Card. This card can be used as a form of identification and privilege when the donor is in need of blood in any emergency or falls seriously ill. The national hospitals in Sri Lanka will specially consider these patients in providing health benefits. Rupavahini, ITN, Shakthi TV and Vasantham FM were among the local media to cover the blood donation programme.

“Donating blood is literally giving the gift of life and a good start for the year. The staff enjoyed a change and it was interesting to see the team work. The enthusiastic donor participation in large numbers at the campaign displayed peoples’ kindness and sincerity to the cause of humanity” stated Shoban Raj, National Operations Manager who himself donated blood at the Mulliyawelei Centre.

FSD Proudly Celebrates its 10th Year Anniversary in Sri Lanka

it@fsd.ch (Swiss Foundation for Mine Action) — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 09:52:29 +0000

6 September 2012 marked the 10 year anniversary of FSD demining programme in Sri Lanka. Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) in Sri Lanka deploys committed, professional and high-performing humanitarian demining actor to support and strengthen the goal of creating a mine and explosive remnants of war free environment in support of the resettlement and development programmes of the Government of Sri Lanka. As at end of August FSD deploys more than 400 members, who are motivated and ready to save a life!!

“The aim hasn’t changed, but our role has broadened over the years, to support approximately 75,000 beneficiaries” says Hartmut Thoms, the Country Programme Manager in Sri Lanka. With continued generous support from the respected donors, FSD Sri Lanka has successfully destroyed over 97,000 antipersonnel mines, 18,300 items of unexploded ordnance, 48 Anti tank mines and 314,500 explosive remnants of war and have cleared approximately 35Km² of land for community development in the most landmine/ERW contaminated regions of Sri Lanka (Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Jaffna). Currently, FSD mine clearance activities focus on Vavuniya, Mannar and Mullaitivu Districts, on releasing land that is also contributing to poverty reduction, income generation and improved livelihood. Hence agricultural land, irrigation areas and land that could be used for off-farm activities will be given priority. FSD has made over 2,000 water wells mine threat free for the returnees over the past two years. The Community Liaison teams provided socio-economic support for vulnerable populations by reducing the risk of injury from mines and unexploded ordnance by raising awareness and promoting behavioural change through public-information campaigns, education and training, and liaison with communities in FSD areas of responsibility.

On 12 October 2012, FSD celebrates the anniversary of an exceptional performance by a team of 9 Community Liaison officers who have organized a Prize giving ceremony for inter-schools mine risk awareness competitions which will be held on Friday, 12 October 2012, in Vidyananda College in Mulliyawelei GN in Mullaitivu District commencing from 1.45 pm. The theme of the competition is “Stay Safe – Bright future” covering the entries of essay writing, songs, speech, short story writing, rearranging sentences and dramas within 12 schools in Puthukudiyerippu and Maritimepattu DS Divisions in Mullaitivu District. 303 students who have obtained 1st, 2nd and 3rd places will be honored by certificates, gold, silver and bronze medals and trophies. FSD anticipates, approximately 1,200 people and opens the invitation to all the partners and friends to join hands attending this major event.

FSD is proud to mark this day, and congratulates the amazing national team in Sri Lanka. FSD would like to thanks all its current and previous donors namely U.S Department of State, Government of Japan, AusAID, ECHO, Swiss Development Cooperation, Rotary Club, IOM, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, German Ministry Foreign Affairs, and UKAID. “The combination of operational support and active strategic partnerships forms the basis of our efforts to promote a well organized, accountable and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance” concludes Hartmut Thoms.

Vital assistance to Sri Lankan agricultural infrastructure

it@fsd.ch (Swiss Foundation for Mine Action) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 08:05:45 +0000

The Murunkan Seed and Planting Material Development Centre “Murunkan Seeds Farm” commenced its operations in February 2010 after the war, with the production and marketing of seeds of various kinds. The Murunkan farm initiated a rice seed production programme using the farm as a nucleus. The initial thrust of the Murunkan Seed and Planting Material Development Centre was to develop a sound rice seed business. The reconstruction and renovation of the Centre, after the war, was supported by the Government of Japan (JAICA).

Rice is the staple food of the inhabitants of Sri Lanka. Paddy crop is cultivated as a wetland crop in all the districts. The total land devoted for paddy is estimated to be about 708,000 Hectares at present. There are two cultivation seasons namely; Maha and Yala which are synonymous with two monsoons. Maha Season falls during “North-east monsoon” from September to March in the following year. Yala season is effective during the period from May to end of August. Within a short period of time, Murunkan Seeds farm became a major player in the national rice seed supply system with a production of 6,000 bushals of seeds per season.

Initial investigation revealed that the seed farm authorities found landmines while harvesting the Sun hemp seeds and then notified the Regional Mine Action Office during the past three months. In response, FSD was tasked to help the Seed Farm authorities to build a safe environment to continue their cultivation plan and produce seeds of grain, chilies, black gram, fruit crops, jack fruit and lemon.

The Seeds Farm provides seed paddy to farmers to start cultivations and, farmers provide the community with fresh food and sell back seed paddy to Murunkan Farm for development in production of seeds. The Seeds Farm runs training and equipment demonstrations for small and large scale vegetable production to help new farmers make the best investments.

FSD was also requested to clear a 35ft well in the farm premises which was the only water source facilitated grain cultivations. “We assured them, that FSD will support maximum in their hour of need and ensure safe drinking water from the well in these drying days. Unless, there is no any other possibility for water resources nearby” said Noel Peacock, Technical Advisor FSD.

The multipurpose demining teams have almost completed the job and finalizing the reports to handover the land in the nearest future. FSD deployed a Rake machine to remove all common obstacles for follow-up clearance. This action is entirely supported by the embassy of Japan as FSD used the Japanese supported assets and employees to carry out the task. “More than 70% of the population in the Northern region community in Sri Lanka depends on agriculture for household food security, livelihoods, and incomes. Great to be of help for the seed farm and hope our efforts will improve the performance of the agricultural sector includes seed production and delivery systems.” added Zak Johnson, the Operations Manager FSD.

While thanking the Government of Japan, FSD hopes that the land release will contribute to the improvement, efficiency, productivity, and sustainability of seed systems in the region.

Good health and steady flow of income are key factors for a strong and happy family – Sivaratnam, PTK West Sri Lanka

it@fsd.ch (Swiss Foundation for Mine Action) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 06:56:08 +0000

Sivaratnam is the father of four children and worked as a shop manager in a rural village in the Mullaitivu District of Northern Sri Lanka. The war, in which his eldest son was conscripted and subsequently went missing, saw Sivaratnam and the rest of his family displaced. After three years languishing in Menik Farm, the biggest IDP camp of northern Sri Lanka, Sivaratnam’s family was impatient to know when their land would be released for resettlement.

The Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) has been conducting operations in PTK West GN division since August 2011, where the most intense fighting during the last phase of the war took place. During this time, FSD has destroyed more than 200 antipersonnel mines and nearly 1,000 items of Unexploded Ordnance as part of a project targeting the safe return of 549 families. So far, 185 families have been able to restart their livelihoods while 364 families still remain in the IDP camps awaiting the completion of mine clearance activities.

Sivaratnam’s family finally returned home on 7 December 2011 to the house they had previously occupied for 22 years only to find cracks in walls, damage to ceilings and windows of the house due to the war. Initially they were supported with temporary shelter, 6-month dry rations, agricultural tools kits and water pumps etc., from the Government and various development actors, but since the day they arrived, Sivaratnam has pursued activities that will put food on their table. After working in the Cooperative shop for example, he provides labour for construction projects to earn additional income in the evenings.

Sivaratnam is working in partnership with his beloved wife successfully cultivating their home garden. The wife Parameshwary runs a family dairy farm with four cows and innovates her vegetable garden to be more sustainable by turning cow manure into rich organic fertilizer. He admits that without her support, farming might never have achieved its current profitability. The front and back yard garden of the house are filled with banana trees, coconut plants, eggplants, green chilies, manioc, tomatoes and peanuts. The farm yields 50 kilograms per 5 kilograms of cultivation.

“I am very pleased about FSD’s demining actions as we don’t need to be fear to start our cultivations. Also we have attended FSD’s mine awareness briefings and very well understood the threat around us. It is even more comfortable when FSD community liaison ladies regularly visit us to see how we are integrating in the cleared lands” Sivaratnam had a smile on his face.

FSD’s Water Well clearance teams have checked the Well located in this garden to ensure that the family has safe drinking water.

FSD Community Liaison (CL) teams are also in regular contact with the returnees and makes efforts to develop livelihood linkages of assistance coverage within the divisions, and indicate areas of vulnerability where additional support is required, as well as facilitate local resource mobilization. The CL teams report that people have sought basic necessities such as toilets, clean water, shelter, electricity and livelihood support.

“In order to expedite demining activities in PTK West, we have moved ECHO supported multipurpose demining teams from Kumulamunai Centre. Demining and making land safe for people to return to is one of the vital steps in the process of getting people back to their homes. Priority is given to residential areas and then agricultural areas in our work. FSD will continue enable people like Sivaratnam to begin a new life with a high degree of confidence and satisfaction.” says Zak Johnson, FSD Operations Manager.

Education is the foundation for everyone in Sri Lanka. Like thousands of other parents, Sivaratnam works hard to help their children get a higher education and hopefully become a government officer so they might earn more respect and standing in society.

“My children have a natural desire to learn and experience new things. I have paid and signed them up for extra classes so that they can learn properly”. Sivaratnam communicated to his daughter, who is studying Physical Science for her Advanced Level at the PTK Central College, the importance of education for herself, family, and country. He was able to talk about the differences he saw between those who were uneducated and conducted manual labour and those who used their minds to work. “At least, they don’t have to labour under the hot sun” Sivaratnam said.

“We got to know that FSD made our paddy land of 4 acres in Kaiveli village in PTK, mine threat free. FSD friends have helped us to remove the thick vegetation with their giant machines and now we have a bare land to start cultivation, when the rain comes. We used to harvest more than 7,000Kg from one season those days.” Sivaratnam remains optimistic for continued rainfall in the upcoming months.

FSD congratulates Sivaratnam and his family who struggle to make a living in “FSD Cleared” land while being committed to protect the farmers, herders, but mostly children, from the land mines laid near where they work and walk.

FSD demining in Darwaz, one of the most remote areas of Afghanistan

it@fsd.ch (Swiss Foundation for Mine Action) — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 08:27:04 +0000

Darwaz is one of the most remote Districts of Badakshan Provinvce, in north east Afghanistan. Forming the northernmost point of Afghanistan, it is surrounded on its western, eastern and northern flanks by Tajikistan from across the border formed by the Panj and Amu Darya (Oxus) rivers. From within Afghanistan, Darwaz can be approached only on foot. Darwaz is impossible to reach by vehicle from the south in Badahkshan Province, only by serviceable roads on the Tajik side of the border from across three bridges which span the river.

Prior to 2010, no humanitarian demining had been initiated in Darwaz and other international funded humanitarian or development aid was very limited if at all. The complete infrastructure which includes medical services, education, social and commercial development is very poor and non-existent in nearly the whole region.

In early 2010 FSD, through its long standing mine action programme in Tajikistan, found that it had a unique advantage for mounting operations in Darwaz. Therefore in coordination with the Mine Action Coordination Centre Afghanistan FSD sought and received funds from U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Political – Military Affairs Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) in order to commence operations. By August 2010, PM/WRA granted FSD a contract for 12 months to conduct cross-border mine action operations in Afghanistan and Tajikistan along their contiguous border, and in the case of Darwaz, deeper into the district.

From the beginning of FSDs demining and survey activities in Darwaz it became apparent that the landmine situation had a significant and direct impact on communities with mines found within a short distance of villages, blocking access to fresh water, hampering economic development by blocking key routes and denying access to agricultural land and grazing pastures.

In August 2011 FSD Afghanistan decided to initiate a small but effective survey component to investigate the claims of landmines and other explosive remnants of war contamination in all 5 sub-districts in Darwaz. The survey component confirmed the contamination exists which directly affects the communities nearby. In September 2011 a project extension with continued funding from PM-WRA saw 2 survey teams being established.

To date a total of 38 Hazardous Areas totaling over 4 million square meters in size have been surveyed by FSD with 7 suspected areas remaining. By the end of May 2012 the FSD teams have cleared a total of 70,467 square metres of land, removing and destroying 70 items of unexploded ordnance and 433 landmines.

FSD’s progress and success has led to other organizations planning to implement development projects in the area during 2012. They include Mission East with a cross border water supply project and GiZ with a road and transport infrastructure project.

This project also provided support to the local medical clinic in the District’s capital Nusai through the provision of 3 specialist doctors, 2 x ambulances, equipment and regular supply of medicines. This vital supply will continue to augment the clinic’s ability to serve the local population who suffer a high rate of infant mortality and an unnecessary death toll due to poor facilities. According to information from the Head of the Nusai Clinic and the District Governor, the clinic treated 30% more patients after having received vital support from the US DoS PMWRA through FSD.

Due to the support from FSD, local authorities are in discussion with the Afghan Ministry of Health to raise the status of the clinic because the clinic’s service area has expanded beyond the borders of Nusai District.

FSD Tajikistan - 100,000 pieces of ammunition destroyed, a landmark achievement for the FSD WAD project

it@fsd.ch (Swiss Foundation for Mine Action) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 08:43:33 +0000

FSD’s programme in Tajikistan pleased to announce the success and achievements of their Weapons and Ammunition Disposal (WAD) project in the destruction of 100,000 pieces of stray ammunitions since the beginning of the project in April 2009.
Stray ammunitions include bombs, shells, grenades, conventional ammunition, air-dropped ordnance, missiles and mines or similar explosive objects.

Such insecure ordnance is potentially:
• a threat to population
• ready source of material for misuse (i.e. terrorists)
• ammunition to be used by illegal armed group

The aim of the WAD project is to dispose of or re-locate to secure sites, conventional munitions and light weapons, in order to reduce the flow of explosive objects from Tajikistan to other politically and economically unstable neighboring countries. The possibility of such threat has become more obvious after Tajikistan gained independence in 1991 and immediately plunged into a civil war until 1997. The general chaos and lack of logistical resources as well as rapidly dissolving man power ensured that the emerging post-Soviet republics all inherited a sizeable armoury, now rusting, rotting and spilling out into a poor security environment.

The FSD Tajikistan Programme Manager Richard Schmidt says“We are proud to mark such an achievement for this project which provides an added layer of security to the people of Tajikistan and its neighbors. We owe this success to the continued efforts of our WAD teams, good cooperation with various ministries of the Tajikistan Government and the generous support of our donors.”

FSD WAD teams support the Government of Tajikistan to conduct bulk disposal of old and unserviceable ammunitions. This work is recognized and supported by the Government of Tajikistan. With financial support fromthe United States Department of State, Bureau of Political – Military Affairs Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) and the Peace Building and Stabilization Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Royal NetherlandsGovernment, FSD has achieved significant results in destruction of ammunition stockpiles, including the destruction of surplus conventional ammunition, air-dropped ordnance, missiles, Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS) and landmines from Tajik government munitions stores in various locations around the country, including the Tajik-Afghan border.

The teams provide technical assistance to different ammunition technical units at variousgovernment securitydepartmentscovering ammunition and Small Arms /Light Weapons stockpile management.

“FSD will continue to support the Government of Tajikistan to ensure unserviceable, old, and confiscated ammunitions come under control and possession for destruction”- says the WAD Project Manager Dr. Din Mohammad.

FSD would like to express gratitude to thedonors supporting our WAD project. The WAD project will continue for the sake of saving lives, enhancing the nation host capacity and strengthening the regional security situation in Tajikistan.

FSD Sri Lanka celebrates International Mine Action Day

it@fsd.ch (Swiss Foundation for Mine Action) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:53:07 +0000

FSD participated in an exhibition organized by the National Mine Action Centre to mark the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. The event was held under the patronage of Economic Development Minister Hon. Basil Rajapaksa. Delegates included High Commissioners, Ambassadors, Representatives of UN, international and local organizations, and other stakeholders. The event was held in Vavuniya on 4th April 2012 and Colombo on 10th April 2012.

As recommended by the Regional Mine Action Office, FSD exhibition was titled "LIVELIHOOD" and featured a model village, Palamoddai in Vavuniya district where FSD conducts mine clearance and 346 families have already returned and resettled.

FSD displayed drawings from school children which convey the message of strength and dignity of communities living in areas previously cleared by FSD. The work of Community Liaison teams explores the impact of mine clearance and safety briefings upon the lives of individuals in Sri Lanka.

We would like to thank all our donors who support the vision of Sri Lanka free from the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war.