As part of ongoing efforts to assist Sri Lanka in implementing its completion strategy for mine action, the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) facilitated three pivotal workshops in June 2024:

1. Completion Survey Stock-Taking Workshop in Kilinochchi, Northern Province, Sri Lanka.
   This workshop focused on reviewing the completion survey and the supporting Information Management System. The process has provided a clearer picture of previously unknown contaminated areas, enabling Sri Lanka to plan its future clearance activities with greater accuracy and certainty.
2. National Mine Action Standards (NMAS) Review in Kilinochchi, Northern Province, Sri Lanka.
   In a collaborative effort, this workshop led to the review of three key NMAS: Land Release, Non-Technical Survey, and Quality Management. These updates are set to enhance the consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness of our mine action operations.
3. Completion Scenario Planning Workshop – Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka.
   GICHD and the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), in collaboration with mine action operators, hosted a scenario planning workshop to address Sri Lanka’s completion of its Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) Article 5 obligations. With the discovery of previously unknown contaminated areas in 2023 and 2024, Sri Lanka’s contamination baseline increased, affecting the timeline for completion. This workshop explored three potential scenarios based on different funding levels— increased, sustained, or decreased funding—while considering remaining contamination. The aim was to foster a transparent, evidence-based dialogue among the Government of Sri Lanka, international donors, and mine action stakeholders. The insights gained will inform a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy to ensure continued progress towards a mine-free Sri Lanka.

GICHD and NMAC would like to thank the U.S Department of State Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM/WRA) and the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) for their generous support in making these activities possible. We are also deeply grateful to all participants, including representatives from MAG, HALO Trust, DASH, SHARP, and the Sri Lankan Army’s Humanitarian Demining Unit (HDU), whose collaboration and expertise were invaluable to the success of the workshops.