Sweden, Dec. 1 -- The government of Canada has announced a fund of USD 2 million for the landmine clearance activities in Sri Lanka. Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Francois-Philippe Champagne and Minister of International Development Karina Gould yesterday released a statement reaffirming Canada's commitment to the Ottawa Convention by announcing $8.3 million to support mine-affected communities.

Through this funding Canada also intends to support mine action that takes into consideration gender equality in decision-making processes as well as in implementation and the universalization of the convention, the two ministers noted in their joint statement.

Accordingly, mine clearance activities in Sri Lanka will comprise close to 50%...