Army de-mining team receive international recognition

Sri Lanka Army's Mine Detection Dog (MDD) Alvin and handler, Lance Corporal G.N.W.M Nawarathne of 7 Field Engineer Regiment, Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) has been selected by the US-based Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI) as the MLI's 'Team of the Year - 2016' to receive the MDD Award of the Year - 2016 during the 'Clearing the Path' gala celebration on October 26 in Washington, DC.

According to army, the two-member army de-mining team, Alvin and its handler, Lance Corporal Nawarathne have since December 2011, de-mined a land area of approximately 73,340 sqm in the North and East and recovered 20 Rocket Propeller Grenades (RPGs), 48 grenades, 137 anti -personnel mines, 24 unexploded ordnance, 18 detonators and 243 ammunition and other explosive devices. Further their demining effort has enabled 1945 displaced people belonging to 415 families to return home.

In 2012 also, the MDD Ciro and its handler, Sapper D.K.N Rohana of the Sri Lanka Army Engineers were also selected for the same award in recognition of their services to clear 9570 sqm, area and recover 101 LTTE-made APMs, 3 LTTE-produced hand grenades, a 60 mm mortar bomb and 2 unexploded RPGs.