Sri Lanka’s civil war lasted from 1983 to 2009 and claimed the lives of 80,000 people. Lines of mines were laid across the northern province, over one million in total. Hundreds and thousands of people were forced to flee their homes. Many have remained displaced for years, unable to return due to the presence of landmines.
Nagarkovil is a traditional fishing community. The sea has been the livelihood for families for generations. In 2000, the village was overrun by the fighting. Families had to leave, losing their homes and livelihoods overnight. When they returned thirteen years later, access to the sea was cut off by landmines. The HALO Trust worked for three years to clear the mines. The village is starting to thrive once more. Children attend the local nursery, and families have returned to the sea.
