Danish Demining Group (DDG) has been operational in Sri Lanka since 2003 clearing mines and UXOs in support of resettlement, and subsequent development.

The last stage of the war resulted in close to 300,000 new internal displaced persons (IDPs), which became top priority for the Government to repatriate back to their homes. This was unfortunately hampered by mines and UXOs, hence Danish Demining Group was asked to support with Emergency Mine Clearance in order to allow a speedy return.

On the 4th of October, the President made his first visit to the area in order to familiarize himself with the work and initiate the start of the return process and paid a visit to where DDG operates. He was briefed by the DDG Programme Manager, Steen Wetlesen on the ongoing operation and afterwards he met with the first all female DDG demining team, who he presented with a cake in recognition of the dangerous work they perform.

The President expressed his admiration of the work being carried out, which is very central to the Governments ongoing resettlement program and DDG could inform the President that they had just completed release of land for resettlement for up to 25,000 of the new IDPs of witch the first 930 already arrived four days later.

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