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In January 2002, following almost twenty years of violence, the Government of Sri Lanka and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (the "Tamil Tigers") agreed to a cease-fire as a pre-cursor to peace talks later in the year. It is estimated that over the years the fighting led to displacement of around 800,000 Sri Lankans of both Singhalese and Tamil origins. This peace initiative has sparked the start of spontaneous refugee repatriation with many Sri Lankans now returning to the former conflict areas. UNHCR estimate that as many as 250,000 could return to northern Sri Lanka this year alone.
HALO is being supported by the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO) and Foundation Pro Victims to undertake a mine and danger area survey of northern Sri Lanka. The survey will not only produce an accurate picture of the overall problem, but will involve the posting of "Danger Mine Signs!" around hazardous areas in order to warn returnees of the unseen dangers that lurk.
The survey phase of HALO's program in Sri Lanka is set to run for six months from 1 June, but will be immediately followed by the establishment of a full mine clearance project.
HALO is the only mine clearance agency presently registered in Sri Lanka. HALO aims initially to deploy nine manual teams, three mechanical units, 3 vegetation cutters and employ a staff total of over 300.
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