91大神

Maheshwary Saththiyananthan has saved countless lives in the aftermath of Sri Lanka鈥檚 26-year conflict.

Originally from Kilinochchi District in the north, Maheshwary鈥檚 family had to flee during the war. They were forced to live in a camp called Menik Farm in Vavuniya, where conditions were very difficult. When the war finally ended in 2009, Maheshwary, her husband and three children found their home in Kilinochchi in ruins. "When we returned to our land, our house had been entirely destroyed by the war,鈥� she recalls. After struggling financially for years, she joined HALO in 2011 as a deminer, hoping to build a better future for her family. In 2016, she was promoted to being a strimmer operator, clearing the overgrown brush so deminers can safely work.

When she came across her first landmine, she was gripped by fear鈥攂ut turned that fear into courage and determination. Since then, she has safely found and cleared more than 200 anti-personnel mines across 25 minefields. Her experience speaks volumes about the strength of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

鈥淔rom being a reserved person, I鈥檝e grown into someone who engages confidently with my community,鈥� she states proudly. Unfortunately, an injury to her husband鈥檚 eye rendered him unable to work. But Maheshwary has taken on her responsibility with strength. HALO鈥檚 support allowed Maheshwary to provide for her family and serve as a role model for women in similar situations.

Thanks to her dedication, Maheshwary and her family have improved their lives. 鈥淚 feel proud to earn a living for my family,鈥� she reflects, 鈥淲e have been able to save enough to buy land, motorcycles, and build a cement-block house.鈥�