In order to accelerate the de-mining process in the Northern region of the country, the Sri Lankan Government has purchased 05 more Bozena machines from the government of Slovakia.
The machines cost Rs 250 Million were brought to the island today (30) where Minister of Disaster Management and Resettlement Abdul Risath Bathiyutheen handed them over to Minister of Nation Building & Estate Infrastructure Development S. M. Chandrasena at the Bandaranaika International Airport.
The machines operated by remote control can demine 5000 sq m per day. At present there are 14 flail machines deployed to remove landmines buried in the north by the LTTE terrorists.
The demining process of the machines varies according to the type of soil and they can demine in a range between 250 sq m to 2500 sq m per hour. The machines can detect mines lying 250 mm deep in soil.
The machines will be used under the guidance of the SL troops now engaged in the de-mining process.
Ministers, Risath Bathiyutheen, S. M. Chandrasena and Sarath Kumara Gunerathne, Northern Province Governor Major General G A Chandrasiri and several other Government officials were present on the occasion.