NEWS RELEASES
CANADA CONTRIBUTES TO SRI LANKAN DEMINING EFFORTS
July 25, 2002 (2:00 p.m. EDT) No. 83
CANADA CONTRIBUTES TO SRI LANKAN DEMINING EFFORTS
Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham today announced $120,000 in funding for the Mine Action Resource Centre located
in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The contribution underscores Canada's ongoing support for the peace process in Sri Lanka, as well
as its continuing efforts to assist states in carrying out effective mine action.
The Centre, which will be a focal point for collaborative efforts among Sri Lankan civilian organizations, the military and
local authorities, will support a broad range of activities in the areas of mine awareness, advocacy, training, technical
assistance and rehabilitation.
"Canada applauds recent steps that the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam have taken toward
establishing a lasting peace," said Mr. Graham. "We are confident that the removal of anti-personnel mines will further
advance this process, allowing Sri Lankans to reclaim priority land and rebuild safe communities."
The Centre will be located in Colombo within the Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies, a national NGO coalition, which
is jointly heading this endeavour with the Mines Advisory Group, an international not-for-profit mine action NGO.
Funding for this initiative was provided for in the December 2001 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing
fiscal framework.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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