Nov 12, Colombo: Sri Lanka Ministry of Nation Building and Estate Infrastructure announced that 156,203 land mines have been defused since 2002.

The death count by landmines has also been reduced from 154 in 2002 to 04 by 2007.

The highest number of de-mining has taken place in Jaffna district with 66,242 cases. Kilinochchi is placed second with 30,329 de-minings and in Vavuniya the number is 20,220.

Army defused the highest number of landmines whilst eight other voluntary organizations were also engaged in demining operations.

Since 2002 to September 30 of this year 440 persons have been injured by landmines in 21 districts. The highest number of cases was reported from Jaffna.