The Government is providing full support to achieve the goal of a ‘Mine-Free Sri Lanka’. The dedication and humanitarian work of mine-clearing organisations have made a significant contribution to expediting the resettlement of the Northern Province in the post-war period and the processes enabling people to return to their places of residence, stated Hon. Governor of the Northern Province N. Vethanayahan.
A media briefing organized by the National Mine Action Centre operating under the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply was held yesterday evening – on Friday, 04 September 2026, at the auditorium of the Kilinochchi District Secretariat. Views were shared on mine-clearing activities in the Northern Province, progress made so far and future activities.
Commenting on the occasion, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Water Supply, Engineer Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta, stated that mines currently need to be cleared from an area of 21 square kilometres in Sri Lanka. He also stated that approximately 20 personnel from various organisations have sacrificed their lives during mine-clearing operations to date. He pointed out that this demonstrates the dangers involved in mine-clearing work and the dedication of those engaged in it.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor wholeheartedly commended the humanitarian spirit and dedication of mine-clearing personnel. He also stated that during the post-war period, when he served as District Secretary in various districts, he had directly witnessed the cooperation provided by mine-clearing organisations in expediting resettlement activities to enable people to return to their own places.
The Governor also appreciated that mine-clearing personnel had risked their lives to clear mines even in extremely difficult and dangerous areas, contributing to the safe resettlement of thousands of people and the rebuilding of their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Governor noted that at a discussion held at the Governor’s Secretariat under his chairmanship a few weeks ago, attention had been drawn to the possibility of mines associated with bunkers being present in certain areas currently identified as falling within the jurisdiction of the Department of Forest Conservation. He also stated that there is a need to conduct the necessary surveys and clear mines in such areas as well.
Noting that Jaffna District is progressing towards soon being declared a mine-free district, the Governor stated that he expects the goal of making Sri Lanka a mine-free country by around 2032 to be achievable. He also assured that the full government support required for this would continue to be provided.
Meanwhile, during the media briefing, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the National Mine Action Centre and HALO Trust on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka.
Hon. Member of Parliament K. Ilankumaran, the District Secretaries of Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Mannar Districts, the Additional District Secretary of Vavuniya District, and the Kilinochchi District Coordinator of the Clean Sri Lanka Task Force, among others, participated in this media briefing.
