Hon. Dr. H.M. Susil Ranasinghe, Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, together with Eng. L. Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta Secretary to the Ministry, and other senior officials from the Ministry and the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) and Regional Mine Action Office, Killinochchi  (RMAO) , visited the minefield site at Muhamalai in the Kilinochchi District to observe the ongoing demining operations.

The visit focused on mine-affected areas that were heavily contaminated during the conflict, particularly those located close to residential zones and cultivated lands in the Pachchilaipalli Divisional Secretariat Division. These areas are of high importance for community safety, resettlement, and livelihood restoration.

This field visit was highly significant in demonstrating the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to mine action activities, implemented through the international organizations The HALO Trust and MAG, together with local implementing partners including DASH and SHARP, all of which are supported by donor funding, and the Sri Lanka Army Humanitarian Demining Programme, which operates under the Government of Sri Lanka and is funded by Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) resources.

The visit also stands as clear evidence of the success of Sri Lanka’s post-conflict resettlement programme, following nearly three decades of internal displacement caused by the conflict. The mine clearance programme, implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka, has been conducted systematically, technically, and in full compliance with both national and international mine action standards and procedures, ensuring safe and sustainable resettlement.

During the visit, the Hon. Minister and the Secretary were briefed by the Programme Manager of The HALO Trust, who explained the current operational situation, key achievements, and challenges faced during mine clearance activities in the area.

The Government reaffirmed its continued commitment to accelerating mine clearance efforts in close coordination with national and international partners, with the ultimate goal of ensuring safe communities, restored livelihoods, and long-term development in formerly conflict-affected regions.