Official Handover of the Reviewed Sri Lanka Mine Action Completion Strategy (2025–2027)
On 27 August 2025, the Reviewed Sri Lanka Mine Action Completion Strategy (2025–2027) was officially handed over to His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat. The handover was led by Hon. Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing, Mr. Anura Karunathilaka, together with Mr. Nayeemudeen, Additional Secretary (Projects), and Ms. Massleberg Åsa, Programme Manager / Senior Advisor for Strategic Planning, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), Geneva.
The official launch of the Reviewed strategy will take place on 28 August 2025 in Colombo. The event will bring together Excellencies of diplomatic missions, Ambassadors, High Commissioners, senior government officials, the Sri Lanka Army, GICHD representatives, humanitarian demining operators, and other stakeholders.
The Reviewed strategy — developed in collaboration with GICHD following the Mid-Term Review in May 2025 — provides a clear roadmap for Sri Lanka to fulfil its Article 5 obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC). It also emphasizes the integration of mine action with the country’s broader goals of safety, reconciliation, and sustainable development.
The purpose of both the handover and launch is to reaffirm Sri Lanka’s strong national commitment to mine action, highlight the ongoing humanitarian and development importance of clearance operations, and acknowledge the support of international donors and partners.