The National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), under the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, in collaboration with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), successfully conducted a two-day workshop on the implementation of the Sri Lanka National Mine Action Completion Strategy (2023–2027) at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, on 15 and 17 June 2026. The programme consisted of a Strategy Stocktaking Workshop and a Strategy Implementation Planning Workshop respectively , aimed at reviewing progress and defining priorities for the successful completion of Sri Lanka’s mine action programme.

The workshop was officially inaugurated by Hon. Dr. Susil Ranasinghe, Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, who reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong commitment to achieving a mine-safe Sri Lanka through enhanced national ownership, increased government investment, and continued collaboration with national and international partners. In his opening remarks, the Hon. minister highlighted the importance of mine action in supporting humanitarian needs, sustainable development, infrastructure development, and peacebuilding, while acknowledging the continued support of international partners, including the United States Department of State’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) and UNDP.

The workshop was facilitated and moderated by Ms. Åsa Massleberg, Programme Manager and Senior Advisor – Strategic Planning, GICHD, with technical support from GICHD  Information Management Advisor and specialist. Participants included representatives from the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), Regional Mine Action Offices (RMAOs), Sri Lanka Army Humanitarian Demining Unit (SLA HDU), humanitarian demining organisations including HALO Trust, MAG, DASH and SHARP, government institutions, development partners, and donor representatives, including representatives of the United States Embassy (PM/WRA).

The Stocktaking Workshop reviewed progress achieved in implementing the National Mine Action Completion Strategy, focusing on completion survey activities, remaining hazardous areas, operational achievements, information management, resource requirements, and challenges affecting implementation. Participants also exchanged field experiences, lessons learned, and recommendations to strengthen coordination and improve operational effectiveness.

Building on the outcomes of the first workshop, the Implementation Planning Workshop held on 17 June 2026 focused on developing implementation priorities for 2026–2027, reviewing strategic risks, analysing the remaining contamination challenge, updating completion scenarios, and identifying key actions required to achieve the objectives of the Completion Strategy.

The workshops reaffirmed the importance of strong national leadership, effective stakeholder coordination, evidence-based planning, and sustained international cooperation in supporting Sri Lanka’s mine action programme. The recommendations and implementation priorities developed during the workshops will contribute significantly to advancing the successful implementation of the Sri Lanka National Mine Action Completion Strategy (2023–2027) and moving the country closer to its goal of becoming mine-safe.