Prime Minister calls landmine clearance national imperative

Saturday, 3 May 2025 00:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says 23 square kilometres still remain contaminated
Launches National Mine Action Centre website
Acknowledges support of international donors for assisting SL in this long process
Assures Govt.’s commitment to meeting its international treaty obligations to clear all landmines by June 2028
Notes timeline can only be met with continued global support
Opines de-mined lands open doors for agriculture, resettlement and development

Even after 16 years after the guns fell silent in Sri Lanka’s civil war, the hidden danger of landmines still lingers across the Northern and Eastern provinces.

Speaking at a Donor Coordination and Appreciation Ceremony in Colombo yesterday, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya called landmine clearance a national imperative, not merely a humanitarian task.

Around 23 square kilometres of land remain contaminated and off-limits to communities. The Prime Minister stressed that these lingering dangers continue to deny people their basic rights — access to education, livelihoods, and safety.

“Clearing landmines is crucial to reopening schools, allowing children to play safely, and helping farmers return to their lands without fear,” she said.

“This is about restoring dignity and normalcy to thousands of lives still held hostage by remnants of war,” Dr. Amarasuriya added. The event, organised by the Urban Development, Construction, and Housing Ministry, also marked the official launch of the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) website and acknowledged the support of international donors who have stood by Sri Lanka in this long process.

Dr. Amarasuriya reiterated the Government’s commitment to meeting its international treaty obligations to clear all landmines by June 2028.

But she emphasised that the timeline can only be met with continued global support.

“Mine clearance is not only about safety. It is essential for rebuilding the local economy and protecting the environment in post-conflict areas,” she said, pointing out that de-mined lands open doors for agriculture, resettlement, and development.

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