Empowering Local Media

Internews has been working in Sri Lanka since 2005, providing information services to vulnerable communities and delivering training to both established journalists and young trainees. Internews works closely with local organisations and the Government to harness the power of media and information to help people develop a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka.

Internews launches Mine Risk Education road show in Vavuniya

Internews commenced its MRE ‘Road Show’ in Vavuniya North in the Grama Niladiri divisions of Kulaivisuddan and Olumadu, and Nedunkerny North.

Adults and children from the re-settled villages of Arasankulam, Velankulam, Olumadu, Odaiveli, Nawarady, 6th mile post and sandalkulam keenly participated at the interactive sessions of the MRE Road Show (funded by UNICEF) which focuses on raising awareness of the dangers of mines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), via core messages delivered by Community Trust Fund (CTF).  The two hour presentations included a Q &A session where the communities expressed their concerns and experiences as they begin re-settling in this once hostile landscape.  A chief feature of the programme was the drawing competition which attracted and engaged the attention of many enthusiastic children as they learnt how to be wary of the lurking dangers of  living in a mine-affected area.

The ‘MRE Road Show’  supports the safe return of people displaced by armed conflict in the North of Sri Lanka, and strives to help reduce the risk of injury from mines and unexploded ordnance among Internally Displaced Persons, returnees and communities in the north by raising awareness and promoting behavioral change.

Internews partners with local organizations such as the Community Trust Fund (CTF), Rural Development Foundation (RDF) and Sarvodaya, to inform local communities across Vavuniya North, Mulaitivu and Killinochchi, about the dangers of landmines and Explosive Remnants of War in the ‘MRE Road show’ in June, July and August this year.

As part of the second phase of their Kannivedi Kavanam! Mine Risk Education program, launched in April 2010, Internews and UNICEF transmitted vital messages as Public Service Announcements (PSAs) via national radio on the Tamil radio station Sooriyan FM, Sinhala radio station Hiru FM, and national SLBC Tamil radio service, as well as in print.

In its Lifeline newspaper this week (June 27th edition),  Internews dedicated one page to the MRE campaign, featuring MRE and demining news, information, PSAs and messages from the community (see MRE page in Lifeline newspaper).

For more information on Internews’ Mine Risk Education programme, see the MRE webpage.