Coming home at last in Sri Lanka

Jayaparan Jeyatheesan of Manipa was born a refugee on his own land. Mr. Chandrakumar of Muhamalai thought he would never see stability in his refugee status. The Sri Lankan Civil War had shaped their worlds. 

On this World Refugee Day, HALO recognizes their commitment to rehabilitating their land and giving back to their communities.

Demining is an essential piece of that process.

Kokkuthoduvai, the coastal Tamil village of the Mullaitivu District, is a testament to the impact of landmine clearance on communities where conflict has endangered lives, limbs, and livelihoods.

Kokkuthoduvai’s community members, displaced during the civil war, lost access to critical fertile land and lagoon fishing areas. 

No farms and no fish meant no income – it meant a harder life. 

Despite current land disputes and military restrictions, HALO’s community-led teams are dedicated to guaranteeing the safe return and prosperity of Kokkuthoduvai's residents.

Deminers have already cleared the most hazardous areas of the town, overcoming its dense vegetation and logistical challenges.

For Kokkuthoduvai, this means access to roads to fishing sites and improved mobility, livelihoods, and dignity for the village’s approximately 1,800 residents.

Mine clearance enables wider development. Every mine removed and every weapon destroyed gives another community a chance to prosper.

The effect of this work impacts each resident. For Jayaparan and Mr. Chandrakumar, demining meant a safe return home. It meant a chance for a new life. 

Originally from Manipa, Jaffna District, Jayaparan’s family was displaced during the Sri Lankan Civil War, left to rebuild from scratch in places they never knew. 

For his own safety, he immigrated to Canada in 2007. He left everything behind.

He had always dreamed of returning to see his land and family again. Unfortunately, he knew it would be difficult after learning that his area was heavily mined.  

That was, until, demining began in Sri Lanka.  

By 2025, northern Sri Lanka was fully cleared of explosive remnants of war. 

Jayaparan finally returned home. Not only that, but he was also able to buy 100 acres of land in the now-cleared Muhamalai, the town his family started their own farm as refugees.  

Upon his arrival, he built a small house and planted various fruits and vegetables. His workforce of 15 locals provides fair wages, housing, and meals to each employee. 

Today, his impressive 25 acres of land produce diverse crops sold locally, supporting and feeding Sri Lankans in their journey in rebuilding post-war.  

Demining gives refugees hope. 

Mr. Chandrakumar of the Muhamalai area used to be a daily wage laborer on a coconut farm. The land was highly productive, and he was able to provide for his loved ones. 

But when the civil war destroyed all the trees on the farm, Chandrakumar was forced to relocate to a relative’s home in Nagarkovil.  

Anytime he could temporarily return to his home, he had to relocate again as the conflict ebbed and flowed.  

In 2011, after deminers cleared four plots of land of unexploded mines, Chandrakumar was also able to return home.  

He purchased land and was able to fully settle down, a first since the onset of the war. 

Chandrakumar works as a HALO security officer today, combining his salary and his farming to support his family. He gives back to his community by maintaining a public temple on the cleared land of his property. 

This does not happen on its own. It is thanks to our donors and your support that we can embark on these life-saving projects. 

Want to get involved? Give this World Refugee Day to help families displaced by conflict to rebuild.