2025-04-04T07:02:27.000Z

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MANKULAM, Sri Lanka -- Thavarathnam Pushparani, a former combatant of the now-defunct Tamil Tiger rebels, is not only a survivor of Sri Lanka’s brutal civil war but also a symbol of resilience and hope. After fighting fiercely for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) against Sri Lankan forces, she dedicated her life to clearing the very land that once witnessed countless battles. Pushparani’s journey reflects the larger struggle of many in Sri Lanka who have emerged from the shadows of conflict to seek peace.

However, the future of demining operations in Sri Lanka hangs in the balance as the United States reviews its aid to the nation. This review comes at a critical juncture, as Sri Lanka has committed to a deadline of 2028 to become free of land mines, a goal established under the Ottawa Treaty, which the country ratified in 2017.

Pushparani's personal story is one of loss and transformation. Throughout the civil war, which lasted for nearly three decades, she suffered devastating losses—her husband, father, and two brothers all died in combat, while two other siblings remain unaccounted for. Born in the eastern part of the island, her family relocated to the north following a violent ethnic pogrom against Tamils in 1983. This tragic event fueled the anger of many Tamil youths, leading them to join militant groups in the pursuit of an independent Tamil state. Pushparani herself became a member of the Tamil Tigers as a teenager.

“Because my entire family was involved with the organization, they arranged my marriage for me. My first daughter was born in 1990, and the younger one in 1992. Tragically, my husband died in battle in 1996, and my children were raised in a home run by the organization, known as Sencholai,” Pushparani recounted with palpable emotion.

After the conflict concluded in 2009, she was finally reunited with her children and turned to demining as a means to support her family. Sri Lanka's demining operations commenced in 2002 during a temporary ceasefire, supported significantly by international aid. The United States has been the largest contributor, providing approximately 34% of the $250 million allocated to these efforts. Last year, that figure stood at 45%, underscoring the nation’s reliance on American support.

Despite interruptions due to renewed hostilities, demining teams have made significant progress, clearing more than 2.5 million mines, anti-tank devices, and unexploded ordnance from contaminated areas. From an original requirement to clear 254 square kilometers, only about 23 square kilometers remain, but achieving the 2028 target is heavily dependent on ongoing funding.

Following the announcement of the aid review, Sri Lanka's foreign ministry made a crucial appeal, and the U.S. has allowed the continued use of allocated funds pending a comprehensive review expected to conclude on May 1. Ananda Chandrasiri, the head of Delvon Assistance for Social Harmony, one of several demining organizations active in the country, expressed hope that the funding would continue post-review. “If the aid does not resume, it could significantly hinder our progress and result in drastic staffing reductions,” he warned.

Currently, around 3,000 workers, many of whom come from communities directly affected by the war, are engaged in these vital operations. Already, some organizations have initiated staff layoffs in response to the uncertainty, creating fears of widespread job losses in a region that still grapples with the legacy of conflict.

The civil war that ravaged Sri Lanka came to a close in 2009, resulting in the defeat of the Tamil Tigers and a staggering loss of life, with conservative U.N. estimates placing the death toll around 100,000. Although civilian properties have been cleared of mines, vast swathes of land remain hazardous, posing risks to returning displaced populations.

Individual stories of tragedy further illustrate the human cost of land mines. Kumarakulasingham Dinojan lost his left hand and suffered injuries to his right hand when, as a child, he encountered an unexploded device in the woods. “We found a container that looked like it had perfume, and when we tried to open it, it exploded,” he recalled. Accidents like Dinojan's are not uncommon; many have been harmed attempting to extract explosives for fishing or other purposes.

Advocates like Vidya Abhayagunawardena from the Sri Lanka Campaign to Ban Land Mines stress the urgency of ratifying Protocol V on Explosive Remnants of War. Furthermore, they urge the implementation of domestic laws to enforce the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Sri Lanka ratified in 2016, aiming to strengthen the legal standing of disabled individuals affected by the conflict.

Inspired by his brothers’ tragic fates, Vilvaraj Vinothan has actively engaged in mine clearance for six years with the Mine Advisory Group. “Only through demining did I learn how to handle explosives properly. I wanted to contribute for the sake of our community,” he noted.

Pushparani's commitment to her work stems not only from necessity but also from a deep-seated desire to ensure a safer future for generations to come. Her earnings from demining have allowed her to support her family, including financing her daughter's education and marriage. Yet, she also cares for a daughter injured in crossfire and an elderly mother who depends on her. “I chose this work not just because of poverty; I want to see a land free of mines. I carry the burden of my family and our nation's hopes on my shoulders,” she said resolutely.

As the deadline approaches, the urgency for continued support in demining operations in Sri Lanka becomes more palpable, highlighting the intersection of international aid, local livelihoods, and the haunting memories of a war that continues to shape lives today.

Francis reported from Colombo.