For almost a decade, Muhamalai was the active frontline between Government forces and the Tamil Tigers during Sri Lanka’s devastating civil war. As the fighting consumed homes and villages, thousands of families were forced to flee, leaving their land and livelihoods behind.
The conflict ended in 2009 but Muhamalai had been transformed into one of the most densely laid minefields in the world—equivalent in size to three times the area of Central Park in New York and topped with tens of thousands of items of unexploded ordnance from relentless years of crossfire.
Like many residents from Muhamalai, Muniyandi Madaththi, had to abandon her home multiple times and was unable to return for many years because of the landmines.
In 2012, HALO began work to clear the minefield, dividing it into sectors because it is so vast. Last week we celebrated clearing the latest two sectors where over 20,500 landmines, more than 3,500 items of unexploded ordnance and over 50,000 items of small arms ammunition have been carefully found and destroyed by our dedicated Sri Lankan team.
Now the land is safe, families are finally able to return. Homes are being rebuilt, land is being cultivated, a school and some local shops have already opened and the mains electricity has been reconnected.
V. Saravanabavan was one of the people who attended the handover ceremony last week. His family had been forced to abandon their home in 1995 when the conflict was at its height. Over 25 years later it is finally safe for him to come home, to reclaim his land and livelihood and to be free from the fear of landmines.
Since starting work in Sri Lanka, HALO has been able to support over 280,000 people to rebuild their lives. This has been made possible by the dedication of our 1,200-strong Sri Lankan workforce, the generous support of international donors, coordination by the National Mine Action Centre and valuable oversight of the Government of Sri Lanka.
