Humpty-Dumpty launches demining programme in Jaffna

The Humpty Dumpty Institute (HDI) a US-based non-profit organization that develops innovative partnerships to tackle humanitarian problems around the world recently initiated a two-year, $4 million demining and development project in the Jaffna peninsula funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Landmines will be removed from areas to be used for revitalizing the dairy farming industry.

HDI's project is expected to clear 450,000 square metres of mined land by the end of 2008, directly benefiting over 1,300 farming families and tripling the supply of fresh milk available in Sri Lanka. With its partners, Halo Trust (a global leader in demining), Land O'Lakes (a leading U.S. dairy cooperative) and the One Sri Lanka Foundation, HDI's project is set to have a cascading effect spurring the development of private sector dairy processing, and allowing the Sri Lankan government to decrease imports of expensive dried milk.

Ralph L. Cwerman, HDI's President, was in Sri Lanka in March to monitor the progress of the project. "We are so delighted to be working toward a mine-free Sri Lanka with our partners, Halo Trust and Land O'Lakes, to bring new opportunity and some stability to farmers in the Jaffna peninsula. We also hope to help re-build what was once a thriving dairy industry in northern Sri Lanka," he said.

"We are proud to be a close partner with Sri Lanka in increasing the local capacity to detect and clear mines," stated U.S. Ambassador Robert Blake. "Despite the return to violence, dedicated de-mining squadrons from the Sri Lankan Army, and NGOs such as The Humpty Dumpty Institute are still dedicated to removing mines and economic redevelopment. We hope we will be able to assist the government in making Sri Lanka mine-safe and productive so Sri Lankans can go about their daily lives free from the fear of mines."