COLOMBO, April 7 (Xinhua) -- De-mining has been completed in 1,340.87 square kilometers of affected areas in Sri Lanka's northern and eastern provinces, a statement from the Urban Development and Housing Ministry said on Sunday.
The statement said around 2.5 million mines had been found in the operation, and de-mining is yet to be completed only in 23 square kilometers of the two provinces.
Sri Lanka has worked out plans to become a mine-free nation by 2028. The army and four local and international non-government organizations are involved in demining in the country. The activities are at the cost of 17.5 million U.S. dollars per year. ■