Strengthening Mine Action in Sri Lanka: GICHD Engages with New Ministry Leadership

Strengthening Mine Action in Sri Lanka: GICHD Engages with New Ministry Leadership A delegation from the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), comprising Ms. Åsa Massleberg, Programme Manager and Senior Advisor for Strategic Planning, and Mr. Sri Mallikarachchi, Information Management Specialist seconded from GICHD to NMAC, met with the newly appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, Eng. L. Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce GICHD’s long-standing technical support to the Sri Lanka Mine Action Programme and to discuss current strategic priorities. During the discussion, the delegation highlighted GICHD’s engagement with Sri Lanka since 2010, emphasizing its contributions in national capacity-building, information management, and strategic planning. The reviewed Mine Action Completion Strategy 2023-2025 , its key strategic objective was presented. Progress in mine clearance and related activities was discussed, together with an overview of Sri Lanka’s national commitments under Article 5 of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) It was highlighted that, due to unknown or newly identified contamination and declining donor financial resources, it will not be possible for Sri Lanka to meet its Article 5 obligations by the current deadline of June 2028. Based on existing data, survey outputs, and ongoing completion survey findings, and as stated in the reviewed National Mine Action Strategy, Sri Lanka will submit an Article 5 extension request by March 2027. To support this, the Completion Survey dashboard and contamination mapping were presented, providing the Secretary and participants with a clear understanding of the current ground situation and the importance of timely decision-making. The meeting was also attended by Mr. M. H. M. P. Zameel, Additional Secretary, Mr. Jayasundara, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Construction & Water Supply, and the Deputy Director  for Mine Action Mr. Mahinda Wickramasingha and  staff members of NMAC.

Sri Lanka Reaffirms Commitment to a Mine-Free Nation at the 22nd Meeting of States Parties

Sri Lanka presented its progress under Article 5 – Clearing Mined Areas, highlighting strong national leadership and a coordinated approach since joining the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention in 2018. Guided by the Reviewed Mine Action Completion Strategy 2025–2027, the country has made significant strides, including launching one of its largest-ever Completion Surveys across 11 districts in 2023. While newly identified contaminated areas and funding limitations mean the current Article 5 deadline of June 2028 cannot be met, Sri Lanka remains fully committed to a responsible and evidence-based path toward completion. In line with Convention procedures, an Article 5 Extension Request will be submitted by March 2027. Sri Lanka expressed appreciation for the continued support of international partners—including GICHD, ISU, donor nations, and humanitarian demining organisations—as it works toward a sustainable, mine-free future that will unlock social, economic, and environmental opportunities for affected communities.

Stock-Taking Workshop

Stock-Taking Workshop on Completion Survey 

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.  

Completion Survey Stocktaking Workshop

Completion Survey Stocktaking Workshop These milestone events were organized at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, and brought together key national and international stakeholders in a unified effort to take stock, assess progress, and define the path forward toward a mine-free Sri Lanka. 1. Completion Survey Stocktaking Workshop – 28 April 2025 The week began with a Completion Survey Stocktaking Workshop, jointly facilitated by NMAC and GICHD. Objectives included: Participants: Representatives from NMAC, GICHD, Regional Mine Action Offices (RMAO), operations and information management staff from operators (DASH, SHARP, HALO Trust, MAG), and Sri Lanka Army Humanitarian Demining Unit (SLA HDU). This technical session allowed for an evidence-based update that directly fed into the strategy review process, ensuring that forward planning is rooted in ground realities. 2. Mid-Term Strategy Review Workshop – 29–30 April 2025 The central event of the week was the Mid-Term Strategy Review Workshop, gathering a wide range of stakeholders across government, civil society, and international partners. Objectives of the review included: Participants: Country directors, programme and operations managers from implementing partners (DASH, SHARP, MAG, HALO), SLA HDU, Sri Lanka Campaign to Ban Landmines  (SLCBL), and key government ministries including Defence, Foreign Affairs, Education, Environment, Health, Rural development  and Social Security and Empowerment, Wildlife, and Finance & Planning. This forum reinforced collective ownership of Sri Lanka’s mine action strategy and positioned the country to move confidently towards timely completion.

Sri Lanka’s Mine Action Sector Gathers for Milestone Strategic Events Under Prime Ministerial Patronage

Sri Lanka’s Mine Action Sector Gathers for Milestone Strategic Events Under Prime Ministerial Patronage The National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), in collaboration with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD), successfully hosted a comprehensive series of high-impact events from 28 April to 2 May 2025. The week culminated in the Donor Coordination and Appreciation Ceremony presided over by the Honorable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, underscoring the national commitment to achieving a mine-free Sri Lanka.   1. Donor Coordination and Appreciation Ceremony – 2 May 2025 The week concluded with a landmark Donor Coordination and Appreciation Ceremony, attended by high-level dignitaries, including: Event Highlights: Stakeholders hailed the event as a strong demonstration of Sri Lanka’s continued leadership in mine action, especially in a global context marked by funding uncertainties. The unified message of the week emphasized collaboration, transparency, and evidence-based planning as essential pillars for the programme’s successful completion. A Call for Sustained Partnership The donor coordination meeting served as a platform to advocate for sustained and diversified funding and highlighted the vital role that international and national actors play in achieving the shared goal of a mine-free Sri Lanka. Discussions reaffirmed that, despite recent funding challenges, Sri Lanka’s Mine Action Programme remains resilient, unified, and strategically aligned with global best practices.