Canada announces $2 million support for landmine clearance in Northern Sri Lanka

Colombo (News 1st): While reaffirming its commitment to mine action under the Ottawa Convention, Canada has announced $8.3 million to support mine-affected communities including Sri Lanka. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs François-Philippe Champagne, and Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, issuing a statement said the new funding includes $2 million for landmine clearance in northern Sri Lanka, with women comprising close to half of the demining workforce. According to the Ministers, unexploded landmines prevent local populations from living and working on their lands in more than 60 countries. Every year, 7,000 people lose their lives and thousands more are injured in areas contaminated by these weapons around the world. The statement reads, "Ensuring that women and youth are actively involved at all levels of mine-action projects is a priority for Canada. Doing so improves access to essential services, and provides people with opportunities to be agents of change in building safer communities."