Awareness on Environmental Management in Forest Clearance Operations

Awareness on Environmental Management in Forest Clearance Operations As per the decision taken at the Operations Meeting held on 17 October 2025 at the District Secretariat Office in Killinochchi under the chair of the National Director of Mine Action, Mr. M. M. Nayeemudeen, with the participation of key officials from all organizations including the Sri Lanka Army , the Regional Mine Action Office organized a series of environmental awareness programmes in collaboration with the following demining organizations. The sessions were conducted by experts from the District Forest Office, ensuring that deminers received practical guidance on environmental protection and adherence to the agreed conditions outlined in the MoU.  Awareness on Environmental Management in Forest Clearance Operations  

Strengthening Mine Action Information Management through U.S. Support

Strengthening Mine Action Information Management through U.S. Support The National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) of Sri Lanka, operating under the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing, received a symbolic handover of a few GPS units and tablets from the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). The presentation took place at the NMAC office, where GICHD Information Management Advisor Mr. Andrew Kesterton and Information Management Technical Development Coordinator handed over the equipment to Director of Mine Action, Mr. Nayeemudeen. The items were presented as a token, while the full procurement of IT equipment valued at approximately LKR 10 million is currently being processed through GICHD with funding provided by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA). This equipment will support the ongoing upgrade of Sri Lanka’s mine action information management system to IMSMA Core and strengthen data collection, analysis, and reporting capacities of both NMAC and the Regional Mine Action Office (RMAO) in Kilinochchi. The Government of Sri Lanka extends its sincere appreciation to the U.S. Government, the U.S. Embassy, PM/WRA, and GICHD for their continued technical and financial assistance in advancing humanitarian demining efforts and contributing toward a mine-free Sri Lanka.

Official Handover of the Reviewed Sri Lanka Mine Action Completion Strategy (2025–2027)

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.

Matters related to the Article 5 Implementation  | Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention

Matters related to the Article 5 Implementation | Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention | Intersessional meetings | 17-20 June 2025, Geneva SRI LANKA Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention Intersessional meetings | 17-20 June 2025, Geneva  Tuesday, 17 June 2025 Item 4: Matters related to the Article 5 Implementation Delivered by: Mr. M.M NayeemudeenAdditional Secretary (Projects), Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and HousingNational Director, National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) Opening and National Commitment On behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), I am pleased to provide an update on Sri Lanka’s progress and challenges in fulfilling its obligations under Article 5 of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC). Sri Lanka acceded to the APMBC in June 2018, committing to fulfil its Article 5 obligations by 1 June 2028. To guide this process, the Government launched the National Mine Action Completion Strategy 2023–2027, developed in close consultation with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and all national and international stakeholders. The strategy reflects international good practices and is designed to steer Sri Lanka toward timely, transparent, and sustainable completion. Article 5 Implementation: Progress, Achievements, and Challenges To operationalize the strategy, a nationwide Completion Survey was launched in mid-2023, covering all districts of the Northern and Eastern Provinces and adjoining areas. The survey has systematically assessed approximately 1,400 Grama Niladhari divisions, which are our smallest administrative boundaries. As of June 2025, 59% of the surveyed divisions have been declared mine- and EO-free, while the remainder are undergoing follow-up visits and technical verification. During this ongoing process, Sri Lanka has identified approximately 8 square kilometres of previously unknown contamination, reinforcing the need for continuous survey and verification. To date, 13.5 square kilometres have been released through clearance, technical survey, and cancellation since 2023, directly benefiting affected communities. These efforts have supported access to land for agriculture, housing, infrastructure development, and essential services. The IMSMA Core system, developed by GICHD, has played a central role in real-time data tracking and informed decision-making. Overall, since 2010, Sri Lanka has released more than 254 square kilometres of confirmed hazardous areas, contributing to a total land release of 1,297 square kilometres, enabling the safe return of over 900,000 internally displaced persons and supporting the restoration of public services and economic recovery in post-conflict regions. During survey and clearance operations, Sri Lanka has found and safely destroyed a total of: 928,187 anti-personnel (AP) mines 2,256 anti-tank (AT) mines 380,096 items of unexploded ordnance (UXO) Despite this progress, several challenges persist. Newly reported contamination continues to emerge, and funding shortfalls are significantly impacting the overall scale and pace of operations. As of April 2025, the programme is functioning with only 45% of the 2024 funding level, which has limited the capacity of key implementing partners—DASH, SHARP, HALO Trust, and MAG—to maintain or expand their field operations as planned. The Sri Lanka Army also contributes as a national mine action operator, with recognized capacity for clearance and survey activities. However, their operations are also constrained, as the Government of Sri Lanka supports their mine action role with only limited national funding. These combined constraints continue to pose a major challenge to meeting Article 5 obligations within the set timeframe. Without at least a 30% increase in funding in 2025 and 2026, meeting the Article 5 deadline of June 2028 will be extremely difficult. A further reduction in funding could significantly delay progress. Mid-Term Strategy Review and Funding Outlook In May 2025, Sri Lanka undertook a mid-term review of its Completion Strategy, supported by GICHD. Conducted alongside a national completion survey stock-taking workshop, the review assessed ongoing progress and evaluated how different levels of funding would impact the clearance timeline. The review concluded that achieving Article 5 completion by 2028 is technically feasible if sufficient funding and operational support are mobilized promptly. However, should current funding levels persist, operational limitations will affect the pace and scale of implementation. These findings were presented at a high-level donor appreciation and coordination event held on 2 May 2025, attended by the Honorable Prime Minister and senior representatives from key donor governments. The event reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s national ownership and commitment to working in close partnership with the international community. In light of the mid-term review and future funding trends, the Government of Sri Lanka will evaluate the necessity of submitting an Article 5 extension request by 2027, based on progress made and available resources. Conclusion and Way Forward Despite constraints, Sri Lanka’s mine action programme remains committed, data-driven, and community-centred. With the continued support of donors, implementing partners, and technical advisors, we are determined to advance our progress and ensure that no one is left behind due to the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war. Sri Lanka reaffirms its full commitment to the principles and obligations of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Committee on Article 5 Implementation, donor states, and the broader mine action community to achieve a realistic, inclusive, and sustainable completion of its Article 5 obligations. Thank you.

Matters related to the mandate of the Committee on Victim Assistance Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention Intersessional meetings | 17-20 June 2025

Matters related to the mandate of the Committee on Victim Assistance Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention Intersessional meetings | 17-20 June 2025 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention Intersessional meetings | 17-20 June 2025   Tuesday, 17 June 2025 Item 3: Matters related to the mandate of the Committee on Victim Assistance Delivered by Dr. Sriromi Maduwage , VA Focal point –Sri Lanka Distinguished delegates, Members of the Committee on Victim Assistance, On behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), I am honored to share our progress in strengthening national frameworks for victim assistance, in alignment with Actions 30 to 36 of the Siem Reap–Angkor Action Plan (SRAAP) 2025–2029. Strengthening National Coordination and Ownership (Action 30) Sri Lanka continues to demonstrate its national commitment to integrating victim assistance into broader institutional frameworks. The National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) serves as the officially designated focal point for victim assistance, recognized by all relevant ministries and stakeholders. To ensure sustained coordination and national ownership, an inter-ministerial and multi-sectoral mechanism is in place, involving the Ministries of Health, Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, and the Department of Social Services. These institutions work in collaboration with development partners, civil society, and victim networks. A revised National Disability Action Plan, currently under development, is being aligned with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and explicitly includes mine and other explosive ordnance (EO) victims. This plan is expected to set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) objectives and ensure gender, age, and disability inclusivity. Legislative Advancements The Government of Sri Lanka is taking significant legislative steps to strengthen the rights framework for victims. A new Disability Rights Bill, aimed at replacing the outdated Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act No. 28 of 1996, is currently being processed. This bill incorporates standards set forth by the UNCRPD and has been endorsed by the Cabinet in February 2025. Inclusive Implementation and Data Management (Actions 31, 32) The Ministry of Health has integrated landmine victims into the National Injury  Surveillance Database, improving institutional victim data management beyond the mine action sector. This supports ongoing efforts to maintain a centralized national database, disaggregated by gender, age, and disability, in accordance with national data protection measures. Sri Lanka also conducted a Victim Assistance Needs Assessment Survey in 2024/2025, covering 20% of IMSMA-recorded victims since 2010. The assessment was carried out using Survey123 field data collection tools, ensuring the capture of disaggregated data on the needs, challenges, and geographic locations of mine and other explosive ordnance victims by gender, age, and disability status. This data was processed and verified through the IMSMA Core system workflow developed by GICHD, which established a structured and reliable dataset on mine and other explosive ordnance victims. In the next phase, this verified dataset will be integrated into a national centralized database, such as disability data systems, in accordance with relevant national data protection regulations, to ensure a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable response. Access to Services and Referral Mechanisms (Actions 33–35) The Ministry of Health and the Department of Social Services have taken leading roles in ensuring that mine and EO victims have access to healthcare, psychosocial support, and social well-being services, particularly in rural and underserved regions. In 2024, National Guidelines for Rehabilitation Services in Sri Lanka  was published that include rehabilitative services for mine/EO survivors. Sri Lanka is also working toward the establishment of a formal referral mechanism, including a national directory of services accessible to all survivors. Over 80% of surveyed victims report having received some form of assistance—whether through the national “Aswesuma” welfare program, disability allowances, or other schemes. Outreach and rehabilitation services are being gradually expanded with a focus on innovative and mobile services to reach remote areas. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (Action 36) The Ministry of Health is scaling up efforts to improve access to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services through capacity-building initiatives for health professionals and community-level responders. Further to the Specialist psychiatrist services, Ministry of Health has appointed  Medical Officers of  Mental Health at both curative and preventive settings to enhance mental and psychological wellbeing of the community. Peer-to-peer support networks are being encouraged and facilitated in areas most affected by mine contamination. Challenges and Support Needs Despite these advances, challenges persist, particularly in resource mobilization, inter-agency coordination, and data harmonization across frameworks such as the APMBC, CRPD, and SDGs. Sri Lanka therefore seeks continued international support to: Expand inclusive livelihood programmes Improve monitoring and evaluation systems Build capacity in victim case management Finalize the full national victim survey Way Forward Sri Lanka remains committed to launching an inclusive, data-driven national action plan for victim assistance that fully integrates with national systems. As a current member of the Committee on Victim Assistance (2025–2026), Sri Lanka will continue to advocate for survivor-led approaches and good practices aligned with the Siem Reap–Angkor Action Plan. We thank the Committee, ISU, GICHD, and all partners for their unwavering support. Together, we can transform our vision of sustainable and inclusive victim assistance into reality. Thank you.  

Field Visit by the Hon. Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing to Mine Action Sites in Mullaitivu – 24 April 2025

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. View Images – Field Visit by the Hon. Minister of Urban Development, Construction and Housing to Mine Action Sites in Mullaitivu – 24 April 2025  

Sri Lanka Participates in the 28th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and United Nations Advisers in Geneva

Sri Lanka Participates in the 28th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and United Nations Advisers in Geneva Mr. M.M. Nayeemudeen, the National Director for Mine Action, represented the Government of Sri Lanka at the National Directors Meeting held in Geneva from 8 to 11 April 2025. He was accompanied by officials from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Switzerland. During his visit, Mr. Nayeemudeen held discussions with donor representatives from German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO)  to explore potential areas of support for Sri Lanka’s Mine Action Programme under the German Humanitarian Assistance. He also met with UN agencies, including UNICEF, to seek their continued assistance and engagement in mine action efforts across the country. A key highlight of his participation was the sharing of Sri Lanka’s success story in mine action, with a particular focus on the country’s Completion Strategy and Completion Survey process. These initiatives are central to achieving the country’s Article 5 obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention by the target date of 1 June 2028. In addition, Mr. Nayeemudeen engaged with GICHD and various international mine action partners to share Sri Lanka’s experiences and discuss collaborative approaches to overcoming remaining challenges in the path toward completion. Discussions emphasized the importance of sustained support from donors and partners to address critical needs and ensure long-term success. During his visit, the following areas were highlighted through the media under the arrangements made by GICHD:   How IMAS and NMAS have helped improve mine action in Sri Lanka; challenges and opportunities with standards In 2010, Sri Lanka developed its National Mine Action Standards (NMAS), aligned with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), through extensive consultations and collaboration with all mine action operators and relevant stakeholders. These standards cover all the  areas such as  land release processes, clearance methodologies (manual demining, mechanical clearance, battle area clearance), non-technical surveys, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Quality Management, and Marking of hazardous areas  etc… These standards have significantly contributed to the effectiveness and consistency of mine action activities in Sri Lanka. They have enabled the programme to make informed and timely decisions on the ground and fostered a common understanding among government authorities, local and international stakeholders, and the donor community. Furthermore, the adherence to NMAS and was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s accession to the APMBC, which came into effect on 1 June 2018. The recently adopted Mine Action Completion Strategy 2023–2027 reflects a comprehensive approach to achieving Sri Lanka’s Article 5 commitments. One of the key achievements under this strategy has been the development of national standards for Completion Survey, enhancing the transparency and credibility of the land release process. As of now, out of approximately 1,400 GN divisions in suspected hazardous areas, 966 have been recommended for official declaration as cleared of mine and explosive ordnance (EO) threats. In order to achieve the obligations, The Completion Survey supports this goal by enabling consistent and transparent documentation of cleared administrative units. This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to applying All Reasonable Effort to identify and clear all mined areas, including anti-vehicle (AV) mines and explosive remnants of war (ERW), even beyond what is required under Article 5. In 2024, the Land Release, Non-Technical Survey (NTS), and Quality Management SLNMAS were developed in consultation with GICHD, following IMAS, to strengthen and expedite the land release process through clearance, cancellation, and quality management. In terms of current developments, NMAC, with support from GICHD, has requested technical assistance to review and update NMAS, particularly focusing on Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) and Information Management (IM). With the guidance of the GICHD IM Advisor, NMAC has drafted a new standard for Information Management to support the establishment of the IMSMA Core system in Sri Lanka. This is currently under review by GICHD. Challenges in implementing standards include: Ensuring that all operators consistently apply NMAS and IMAS in complex operational environments. Keeping standards updated in line with evolving technologies, methodologies, and contexts. Building capacity and awareness among field-level staff and local stakeholders to understand and use the standards effectively. Opportunities include: Strengthening national ownership and institutional capacity through standardized and transparent processes. Enhancing donor confidence and accountability through adherence to internationally recognized standards. Streamlining land release and clearance operations by improving coordination, information sharing, and data management under a unified framework. The NMAC has now established Technical Working Groups to review and implement the process in line with the new SLNMAS, in order to streamline mine action clearance and quality management activities. How has your work to have a national mine action strategy been beneficial for mine action in Sri Lanka?  Sri Lanka’s National Mine Action Programme commenced in 2002 with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), serving as the operational arm of the National Steering Committee for Mine Action (NSCMA), was officially established in July 2010. NMAC plays a central role in coordinating mine action activities on the ground and enables the Government to assume full ownership over the enforcement and monitoring of mine action policies and operations, contributing significantly toward a mine-free Sri Lanka. The first National Mine Action Strategy was developed in 2010, followed by a more comprehensive strategy in 2016, with technical support from the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD). In 2023, the Mine Action Completion Strategy (2023–2027) was developed by NMAC with support from GICHD to guide the country in fulfilling its Article 5 obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC). This Completion Strategy (2023–2027) is built on four strategic objectives, all aligned with the vision that “Women, girls, boys, and men thrive in a mine-free Sri Lanka where explosive ordnance (EO) victims are fully integrated into society and have their needs met.” The Four Strategic Objectives: Land Release and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE):The release of safe land and implementation of inclusive EORE activities support completion and contribute to sustainable development. Coordination and National Ownership:Strengthened coordination and national ownership promote greater transparency, raise awareness,