Meet the Woman Who Cleared 200 Landmines
Changing Paradigms in Northern Sri Lanka
Maheshwary Saththiyananthan has saved countless lives in the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s 26-year conflict.
Originally from Kilinochchi District in the north, Maheshwary’s 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,” 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—but 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.
Strimmer operator, Maheshwary, proudly stands next to a HALO vehicle.
“From being a reserved person, I’ve grown into someone who engages confidently with my community,” she states proudly. Unfortunately, an injury to her husband’s eye rendered him unable to work. But Maheshwary has taken on her responsibility with strength. HALO’s 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. “I feel proud to earn a living for my family,” she reflects, “We have been able to save enough to buy land, motorcycles, and build a cement-block house.”
Maheshwary and her family proudly stand outside their home.
Maheshwary’s story is a testament to the collective impact of women in humanitarian mine action. Over a thousand deminers enjoy stable employment in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province. These Sri Lankans empower entire communities through land clearance and recovery. Often times, even their own.
Her dedication is a powerful reminder that when women have the opportunity to lead and serve, they become agents of positive change.
