The Government remains confident that Sri Lanka will meet its ambitious target of becoming mine-free by 2028, despite concerns arising from a recent pause in US assistance for demining operations earlier this year.
According to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction, and Housing, ongoing diplomatic negotiations have helped to ensure that pledged US support will continue, albeit with possible adjustments to funding mechanisms.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning, the ministry’s Additional Secretary (Projects) M.M. Nayeemudeen stated that while US funding for demining efforts had temporarily stalled in January, constructive discussions with US representatives had helped to allay fears of a long-term suspension.
“We have written to the US Embassy through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They have assured us that funding will not stop,” Nayeemudeen confirmed.
“The US Embassy will continue to support Sri Lanka’s demining programme through four organisations – HALO Trust, Mines Advisory Group (MAG), Skavita Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Project (SHARP), and Delvon Assistance for Social Harmony (DASH).”
The US has long been one of the largest bilateral donors to Sri Lanka’s humanitarian demining efforts, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces which were heavily contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXOs) during the nearly three-decade-long civil conflict. Thousands of families in former conflict zones depend on the clearance of these lands to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
However, earlier this year, US support was temporarily suspended due to reported administrative and funding cycle realignments in Washington. The halt came at a critical time when Sri Lanka was aiming to accelerate clearance operations in order to meet its declared 2028 deadline for becoming landmine-free.
In response, Sri Lankan authorities engaged in a series of consultations with the US Embassy and other donor countries.
“We held several discussions and workshops with the participation of US Embassy officials. A donor appreciation meeting was also held on 2 May with the participation of the Prime Minister. These emerged positively,” Nayeemudeen said, referring to high-level efforts to reassure partners and sustain funding flows.
According to him, while the core funding commitments remain intact, there may be revisions to how the disbursements are structured going forward. “Whatever the funding that was promised will be issued by the US Government. However, there might be changes to the funding arrangements and how these funds will be disbursed,” he explained.
Beyond the US, Sri Lanka’s demining operations are currently supported by 11 international donors and Nayeemudeen expressed optimism about expanding this base.
“There is potential for further funding from these countries also. The donor appreciation meeting went smoothly and we are hopeful of continued engagement,” Nayeemudeen noted.
He also expressed optimism that the goal remained within reach. “As of now, we have managed to resolve the issue through negotiations and we still hope that we will be able to reach our target of being mine-free by 2028,” he affirmed.