A special meeting was conducted under the Additional Secretary (Projects/National Director of Mine Action) on 30th January 2025 at 10.00am at the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing to discuss the Action Plan 2025, current situation of the Sri Lanka Mine Action Programme, and affect due to the temporary freeze of US donor funds from 24th January 2025. temporary freeze of US funds has severely impacted the Mine Action Programme in Sri Lanka, particularly in achieving the expected clearance targets for this year.
At the meeting, we focused on streamlining Mine Action activities in alignment with the Sri Lanka Mine Action Strategy through a results-based Action Plan for 2025. The Deputy Director, Chief Field Engineer from the Sri Lanka Army, along with senior Sri Lanka Army officials, all Programme Managers from HALO Trust, DASH, SHARP, and the Country Director from MAG, and key officials from their respective organizations, NMAC officials, and the IM Specialist from GICHD/NMAC, participated in the meeting.
The following key decisions were made during the meeting
· Execute immediate awareness for the Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and organize a high-level discussion
· Organize a donor meeting immediately under the Minister of this Ministry, involving all current donors and potential new foreign delegations.
· All issues that cannot be resolved at the Operational and Review stages will be taken to the National Steering Committee (NSC) meeting under the Secretary of this Ministry.
· Organize a high-level event during International Mine Action Week in April, inviting key officials and delegations.
· Enhance communication on mine action activities by sharing updates through the website and social media platforms.
- Continue meetings following a bottom to top decision-making flow to ensure effective coordination
