Mine clearance in Muhamalai to be fully completed by 2027: Assurance at special meeting
Mine clearance in Muhamalai to be fully completed by 2027: Assurance at special meeting The Governor of the Northern Province Hon. N. Vethanayahan instructed that mine clearance activities should be further expedited to facilitate the resettlement of people, livelihood development and the rapidly progressing tourism-related development projects in the Northern Province. A special discussion on the mine clearance activities being carried out in the Northern Province and their current progress was held successfully today – on Friday, 21 August 2026, at the Northern Province Governor’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor. Speaking furtherat the discussion, the Governor stated ,“One of the continuing expectations of this Government, led by His Excellency the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is to make the country a mine-free country by 2032. A large number of mines are still found in the Northern Province, particularly in the Muhamalai area, which was heavily affected during the war. While one part of the area has been completely cleared, priority should be given to clearing mines from the remaining private lands as well, for the resettlement of people and livelihood activities. Furthermore, the Government is giving high priority to improving infrastructure facilities and the tourism sector. Therefore, it is very essential to identify such development zones and confirm that they are mine free areas. Moreover, while substantial funds have been allocated for the rehabilitation of irrigation tanks, mine clearance activities should also be carried out in the catchment areas located in the forest areas surrounding those tanks to ensure safety. As those areas are under the control of the Department of Forest Conservation of Sri Lanka, the relevant action should be taken by contacting the Conservator General of the Department of Forest Conservation of Sri Lanka regarding the use of mine clearance machinery there” he emphasized. During this, the Deputy Director of the National Mine Action Center stated that 250 million US Dollars had been spent on mine clearance activities during the period from 2010 to 2025. Officials further noted that 252 personnel were injured during mine clearance activities in 2002, while only 2 personnel had been injured during the long period from 2002 to 2025 thereafter, and that this demonstrates the safe and progressive status of the mine clearance operation. The Government has declared the districts of Mannar, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu in the Northern Province as coconut triangle zones and is actively engaged in coconut cultivation. Therefore, the Governor instructed that mine clearance activities should also be expedited in the areas identified for coconut production, and that the Assistant General Manager of the Coconut Cultivation Board should coordinate and work with the mine clearance organizations on this matter. In response to the Governor’s request to expedite mine clearance activities in the areas around Muhamalai and Kurinjatheevu, the Project Manager of HALO Trust assured that mine clearance activities in Muhamalai would be fully completed towards the end of 2027. In addition, as the Government is rapidly advancing activities to expand the tourism sector in the Gowtharimunai area, which is visited by a large number of tourists, the Governor requested that mine clearance activities also be expedited in the areas surrounding Gowtharimunai. The Deputy Director of the National Mine Action Center, the Secretary to the Governor of the Northern Province, the District Secretary of Mannar, the Additional District Secretary (Land) of Mullaitivu District, the Director Planning of the Jaffna District Secretariat, the Provincial Director of the Irrigation Department – Northern Province, the Head of the Field Engineering Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army Humanitarian Mine Action Unit, and several officials including the regional managers of the mine clearance organizations MAG, HALO Trust, DASH and SHARP participated in this discussion.
NMAC Field Visit and Operations Meeting Strengthen Mine Action Coordination
NMAC Field Visit and Operations Meeting Strengthen Mine Action Coordination On 19 August 2026, the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), under the coordination of the Deputy Director of Mine Action, conducted a joint field visit with representatives of all mine action operators, the Sri Lanka Police, Regional Forest Department, Department of Wildlife Conservation, and Special Task Force (STF). Officers from the Regional Mine Action Office also participated in the field assessment. The field visit provided an opportunity to review operational practices and site-specific issues, particularly concerning termite mounds, Isolated UXO ,EOD call-outs, environmental protection and coordination around mine action sites. The findings from the morning field visit were reviewed during an Operations Meeting held the same evening, where key operational decisions and follow-up actions were agreed. Key outcomes Termite mounds in forest areas: For termite mounds located within reserved forest areas, no clearance activity will be conducted on the termite mound itself. Only the ground/base area beneath the termite mound should be cleared to the required depth, and only the area actually cleared at the base will be counted as cleared square metres. Termite mounds in other areas: Termite mounds encountered outside forest areas will be managed in accordance with the Sri Lanka National Mine Action Standards (SLNMAS) and applicable operational procedures, while maintaining the required clearance depth. Forest conservation: Regional Forest Department officials provided guidance on forest conservation requirements. Operators were instructed not to deposit collected vegetation and other clearance debris within the forest, but to move such material to appropriate open areas to reduce the risk of bush fires and protect the forest environment. EOD call-outs: The STF agreed to strengthen follow-up on outstanding EOD call-outs. NMAC also agreed to strengthen the digital collection and management of EOD call-out information using existing information management facilities. Police coordination: Sri Lanka Police representatives agreed to follow up on relevant illegal activities around mine action sites and to coordinate with the STF to support appropriate EOD call-out responses. Article 5 extension planning: During the Operations Meeting, the Article 5 extension work plan was reviewed, including the action plans of the demining organizations. Continued follow-up on the agreed actions and operational requirements was confirmed to support the preparation of Sri Lanka’s Article 5 extension request. The field visit and subsequent Operations Meeting highlighted the importance of evidence-based operational decision-making and close coordination between NMAC, mine action operators, security Forces of Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Army, Special task Force and environmental authorities. NMAC will continue to coordinate with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that mine action operations are conducted safely, in accordance with national standards, while protecting Sri Lanka’s forest environment and supporting the country’s Article 5 extension planning.
IM and Completion Survey Coordination Meeting
IM and Completion Survey Coordination Meeting NMAC convened an Information Management and Completion Survey Coordination Meeting on 12 August 2026 at RMAO Killinochchi, with the participation of Information Management and Completion Survey Officers, as well as an Operations Manager, representing mine action organizations. The meeting focused on strengthening IMSMA Core reporting, weekly progress reporting, EO/UXO classification, and Completion Survey data quality. Key actions were agreed to improve data verification, update post-declaration records, and standardize relevant ordnance classifications. The IMSMA Core Weekly Progress Reporting system through Survey123 will be implemented from 1 September 2026. The meeting also reviewed priority Completion Survey and post-declaration records requiring verification and follow-up by the relevant organizations.
MAG Ambassador Rosamund Pike to Pay Courtesy Call on Hon. Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply
MAG Ambassador Rosamund Pike to Pay Courtesy Call on Hon. Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply The Hon. Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply will receive Ms. Rosamund Pike, internationally acclaimed actress and MAG (Mines Advisory Group) Ambassador, at the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply on Monday, 10 August 2026, at 9.45 a.m. The courtesy meeting will take place following Ms. Pike’s meeting with the Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and will focus on Sri Lanka’s National Mine Action Programme coordinated by the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC). The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the progress and future priorities of Sri Lanka’s National Mine Action Programme, which is coordinated by the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) under the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply. Discussions will focus on the achievements of humanitarian mine action, the remaining challenges to achieving a mine-free Sri Lanka, and the importance of continued international partnership and sustainable donor support. The meeting will be attended by senior officials of the Ministry, representatives of the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), the MAG Country Director, and senior officials of MAG Sri Lanka. Ms. Rosamund Pike has served as MAG’s Ambassador since 2021 and is visiting Sri Lanka to learn about the country’s progress in humanitarian mine action, engage with mine-affected communities, and highlight MAG’s 25 years of support towards achieving a mine-free Sri Lanka. Her visit aims to raise international awareness of humanitarian mine action and the importance of sustained support for mine clearance efforts. The Ministry welcomes Ms. Pike’s visit as an opportunity to reaffirm Sri Lanka’s commitment to completing mine clearance, strengthening partnerships with international stakeholders, and supporting the long-term well-being of mine and explosive ordnance survivors.
Discussion Held to Strengthen National Humanitarian Demining Capacity
Discussion Held to Strengthen National Humanitarian Demining Capacity A high-level discussion on strengthening Sri Lanka’s humanitarian demining capacity and reviewing the implementation of the National Mine Action Programme was held on 4 August 2026 at the Parliament Complex under the joint patronage of the Hon. Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, Dr. Susil Ranasinghe, and the Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.). The meeting reviewed the current progress of the National Mine Action Programme and discussed measures to accelerate humanitarian demining operations in support of the Government’s commitment to achieving a mine-free Sri Lanka. Discussions focused on facilitating the safe resettlement of communities, promoting socio-economic development, and enabling the productive use of formerly conflict-affected land. Particular attention was given to strengthening the operational capacity of the Sri Lanka Army Humanitarian Demining Unit through enhanced resources, personnel, and logistical support to improve operational efficiency and contribute to the timely completion of mine clearance activities. The meeting also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among Government institutions, humanitarian demining organizations, and development partners to sustain progress towards national mine action objectives. The discussion was attended by the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, senior officers of the Sri Lanka Army, and officials of the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) of the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply.
National Steering Committee Meeting Strengthens Coordination for Sri Lanka’s Mine Action Programme
National Steering Committee Meeting Strengthens Coordination for Sri Lanka’s Mine Action Programme The National Steering Committee (NSC) Meeting on Mine Action was held on 20 July 2026 at the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, under the chairmanship of the Secretary to the Ministry / Director of the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC). Representatives from relevant ministries, government agencies, mine action operators, development partners, and international organizations participated in the meeting. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of the National Mine Action Programme, implementation of the National Mine Action Completion Strategy (2023–2027), current funding status, and key priorities for the remainder of 2026. Participants also discussed the preparation of Sri Lanka’s Article 5 Extension Request under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and measures to strengthen operational capacity and inter-agency coordination. The National Steering Committee emphasized the importance of close collaboration among relevant ministries and departments to address policy, operational, legal, and administrative matters affecting mine action. Several decisions were agreed upon to improve coordination, accelerate land release, strengthen victim assistance, support operational partners, and ensure the timely implementation of national mine action priorities. The National Mine Action Centre remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders to achieve a mine-safe Sri Lanka and fulfill the country’s national and international mine action commitments.
Workshop on the Sri Lanka National Mine Action Completion Strategy (2023–2027)
Workshop on the Sri Lanka National Mine Action Completion Strategy (2023–2027) 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.
U.S. PM/WRA Reaffirms Commitment to Support Sri Lanka’s Mine Action Programme
U.S. PM/WRA Reaffirms Commitment to Support Sri Lanka’s Mine Action Programme As a special event held alongside the Sri Lanka National Mine Action Completion Strategy Review, the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), in collaboration with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), organized a Mine Action Partner Meeting on 16 June 2026 at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo. The meeting focused on the future direction of Sri Lanka’s mine action programme and the continued support of the United States Department of State’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA). The meeting was moderated by Mr. Keith Clark, PM/WRA Sri Lanka Programme Manager, together with Ms. Åsa Massleberg, Programme Manager and Senior Advisor – Strategic Planning, GICHD. Representatives from NMAC, humanitarian mine action operators, GICHD, and other key stakeholders participated in discussions on funding priorities, strategic planning, and the way forward for Sri Lanka’s mine action programme. During the meeting, PM/WRA reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s Mine Action Programme, announcing an estimated USD 8.5 million in assistance for 2026, with the intention of continuing support for a further two years, subject to annual approvals. This commitment will directly support the implementation of the Sri Lanka National Mine Action Completion Strategy (2023–2027) and assist the country in fulfilling its obligations under Article 5 of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC). PM/WRA emphasized the importance of maintaining a unified and coordinated approach among all mine action operators during the final phase of Sri Lanka’s clearance programme. The meeting encouraged all implementing partners to work collaboratively, maximize the effective use of available resources, and align operational priorities with the national completion strategy to achieve the shared goal of a mine-safe Sri Lanka. The discussions also highlighted the continued strategic partnership between PM/WRA, GICHD, and NMAC, including ongoing technical assistance in strategic planning, information management, and strengthening national capacity to support evidence-based decision-making and sustainable programme management. Participating organizations shared their achievements, operational challenges, and priorities for the coming years, while jointly identifying critical actions required to accelerate land release and ensure the successful completion of Sri Lanka’s mine action programme. The meeting concluded by reaffirming the strong partnership between the Government of Sri Lanka, PM/WRA, GICHD, and humanitarian mine action operators, demonstrating a shared commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s journey towards becoming a mine-safe nation through sustained international cooperation, effective coordination, and strong national leadership.
Visit of the WRA Programme Manager to the Regional Mine Action Office (RMAO), Kilinochchi
Visit of the WRA Programme Manager to the Regional Mine Action Office (RMAO), Kilinochchi On 09 June 2026, the Weapons Removal and Abatement (WRA) Programme Manager visited the Regional Mine Action Office (RMAO) in Kilinochchi. The visit focused on strengthening cooperation and coordination between WRA and Sri Lanka’s National Mine Action Programme. During the meeting, NMAC officials provided an overview of the current progress of mine action activities, including land release, survey and clearance operations, Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE), and ongoing efforts towards achieving a safe and mine-free Sri Lanka. Discussions were also held on operational priorities, challenges, and future support required to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of mine action activities. The WRA Programme Manager appreciated the continued efforts of NMAC and mine action stakeholders in addressing the remaining explosive ordnance contamination and supporting affected communities. The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views, share experiences, and further strengthen collaboration between national authorities and international partners. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of WRA and NMAC towards supporting Sri Lanka’s mine action goals and achieving the successful completion of the national mine action programme.
The United States Continues to Support a Mine-Free Sri Lanka
The United States Continues to Support a Mine-Free Sri Lanka A high-level meeting was chaired today (June 8, 2026) by the Hon. Minister of Housing, Construction, and Water Supply, Dr. Susil Ranasinghe, at the Ministry premises to review the progress of Sri Lanka’s National Mine Action Programme The discussion was joined by Mr. Keith D. Clark, Program Manager of the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA), and Mr. Patrick Collins, Political Officer of the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka. Key Highlights of the Discussion: Transition & Completion Plans: As Sri Lanka moves closer to achieving a mine-impact-free status, the meeting focused on future transition strategies and final phase completion plans. A Longstanding Partnership: Since 2002, PM/WRA has been the primary international donor supporting Sri Lanka’s demining efforts. By helping clear nearly 1 million landmines and explosive remnants of war, U.S. assistance has been instrumental in creating the conditions for the safe return and resettlement of more than 1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). LKR 12.5 Million IT Donation: To boost data management and operational efficiency, IT equipment worth over LKR 12.5 million was officially handed over to the National Mine Action Center (NMAC) and its regional offices. $8.5 Million Commitment for 2026: To support the 2023–2027 Mine Action Completion Strategy, the U.S. PM/WRA reaffirmed its commitment by pledging approximately USD 8.5 million for 2026, with plans to extend support for another two years (subject to annual approvals). Sri Lanka remains deeply committed to achieving a mine-free status through data-driven, strategic operations, ensuring safe lands for communities and future development. The meeting was also attended by the Ministry Secretary / National Director of NMAC, Additional Secretary of the Ministry, Deputy Director of NMAC, IM Advisor GICHD/NMAC, representatives from the U.S. Embassy, demining operators, and key stakeholders. #Srilanka #USA #NMAC #Development #SafetyFirst #SusilRanasinghe