Japan extends support for humanitarian demining activities in Northern and Eastern Provinces

On 30 May, Chargé d’ Affaires ad interim of Japan to Sri Lanka Kamoshida Naoaki signed grant contracts for two demining projects with the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) and the HALO Trust (HALO) under the scheme of “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects” (GGP).

The Government of Japan has provided approximately $ 900,000 (approx. Rs. 270 million) for these two projects with MAG and HALO to support humanitarian demining activities in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. Japan has been a major donor in demining activities in Sri Lanka since 2002, and the total amount of assistance exceeds $ 47 million. 

It is expected that the two newly-funded projects by MAG and HALO will together contribute to resettlement and improved livelihood for around 13,000 beneficiaries in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. 

The development of the conflict-affected areas is one of the priorities in Japan’s official development assistance for Sri Lanka.

Kamoshida emphasised that Japan considers landmine clearance as a fundamental step toward peacebuilding, resettlement, and sustainable development in Sri Lanka. He reaffirmed Japan’s strong commitment to continuing its support, and expressed his hope that Sri Lanka will become a mine-impact-free country by 2027, paving a way for lasting peace and reconciliation.

Commenting on the provision of this grant, MAG Country Director Zeenat Garewal stated, “Mine clearance and land release have direct impacts on the lives of civilians living in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. Clearing contaminated land aids agricultural and infrastructure development in rural villages and ensures the safety of civilians from the threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance. These efforts strengthen the economy of Sri Lanka, paving the path towards prosperity and a safer nation. 

“As of January 2025, MAG has released a total of 100,930,005 ㎡ of land and has removed more than 103,467 explosive remnants of war since 2002. MAG extends its deepest gratitude for the ongoing support that the Embassy and people of Japan have provided to clear anti-personnel landmines and other dangerous contamination in areas most affected by decades of armed conflict.

“In order to successfully complete our mission to ‘Save Lives, Build Futures’, MAG is grateful to the Embassy and the Government of Japan and looks forward to their continued support and assistance to achieve our goal of realising a landmine-free Sri Lanka.” 

HALO Deputy Program Manager Hannah Elizabeth Picton stated, “Over the past 22 years, Japan has been HALO’s most consistent supporter. During this time, HALO has found and destroyed nearly 300,000 anti-personnel landmines and released 120 ㎢ of previously contaminated land. This has contributed to the resettlement of 150,300 individuals in Kilinochchi District alone, restoring sustainable livelihoods and enabling community rebuilding and stabilisation. It has also enabled local men and women to partake in a highly respected vocation, providing a stable income to their families. 

“With the support from Japan, HALO is working towards identifying and clearing the remaining contamination, while supporting the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) in implementing the National Completion Process. This assistance to demining operators is critical to help bring the Government of Sri Lanka closer to meeting its Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty obligation of clearing the country of all known mine and other explosive contamination.”