Minister for Prison Reform, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs D. Swaminathan, attended as Chief Guest at the event which brought together key government officials, members of the international, diplomatic and donor communities, demining organizations and civil society.
The High Commissioner of Canada, Shelley Whiting, in hosting the event sought to recognize the considerable gains made in mine action and mine clearance in Sri Lanka since the end of the conflict in 2009 and bring attention to the importance of continued, collective efforts in support of a mine-impact free Sri Lanka by 2020.
"The critical importance of demining work in Sri Lanka is obvious. Clearance of landmines is a necessary prerequisite to long-term peace and security for all Sri Lankans and a key component of Sri Lanka's broader plans for reconciliation and resettlement. Demining also supports economic recovery and livelihoods, and poverty reduction in the immediate and long term."
Canada has been a significant donor to Sri Lanka's demining efforts - contributing more than US$ 2.3 million (CDN 3 million) since 2009 to MAG and Halo Trust's demining efforts, which are undertaken in close collaboration with the UN, National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) and the Government of Sri Lanka.
High Commissioner Whiting in addressing the gathering noted that "Canada welcomed Sri Lanka's announcement of progress with respect to accession to the Ottawa Convention and looks forward to continued engagement with Sri Lanka in the months and years to come, as we strive together to create a world and a Sri Lanka free of anti-personnel mines."
Canada has long been a leader in mine action. Canada was at the forefront of negotiations which lead to the establishment of the Mine Ban Treaty - commonly known as the Ottawa Convention which entered into force 17 years ago last month.
