Field Visit by the Hon. Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing to Mine Action Sites in Mullaitivu
The Hon. Mr. Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, conducted an official field visit to Mankulam in the Mullaitivu District on 24th April 2025 to observe ongoing humanitarian demining activities in the region.The Hon. Minister was accompanied by the Hon. Mr. T.B. Sarath, Deputy Minister; Mr. Ranjith Ariyaratne, Secretary to the Ministry; and Mr. M.M. Nayeemudeen, Additional Secretary and National Director.
The demining site visited — Mullai Veedhi in Mankulam — is operated by Delvon Assistance for Social Harmony Sri Lanka (DASH), a long-standing partner in Sri Lanka’s mine action programme. During the visit, the DASH Programme Manager and Operations Manager provided a detailed briefing on operational progress, technical procedures, and safety protocols being followed in accordance with national Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). In fact, the HALO Trust Programme Manager, Operations Manager, MAG Operations Manager, and SHARP Operations Manager also participated in the visit and expressed their contributions and suggestions for the way forward in the mine action programme.
Also present during the visit were valuable deminers and other dedicated staff from DASH, who continue to work tirelessly in challenging conditions to clear landmines and explosive remnants of war (ERW). In addition, officers from the Regional Mine Action Office (RMAO) in Kilinochchi participated and contributed to the discussions on regional coordination and progress.
Even 15 years after the end of Sri Lanka’s internal conflict, communities in the Northern and Eastern Provinces still face risks from landmines and ERWs. The Hon. Minister expressed deep appreciation for the courage and dedication of all personnel involved in mine action.
“Although my visit lasted only a few hours, it left a lasting impression on me — of the magnitude of the challenge, the courage of the operators, and the resilience of the communities. I was deeply moved by the stories of individuals and families who live amidst the risk of hidden explosives. As a fellow Sri Lankan and as a responsible Minister, I am committed to doing everything within my capacity to ensure that they can live safely, with dignity and peace of mind.”
The Hon. Minister also acknowledged the critical role of mine action partners in restoring land to safe and productive use and reaffirmed the full support of the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing in achieving a mine-free Sri Lanka by 2028.
