Sri Lanka’s mine-clearance programme has been highly successful, according to the International Mine-Clearance Ambassador Rosamund Pike. Pike made the remarks during a meeting with the Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister Dr Susil Ranasinghe. She commended Sri Lanka’s mine-clearance efforts, noting that operations are being carried out in accordance with international standards. 

Officials said that approximately 90 per cent of the areas previously affected by landmines have now been successfully cleared. The remaining 20.8 square kilometres (km) are located in particularly challenging and complex terrain, making the clearance process more difficult.

Sri Lanka is aiming to be declared completely free of landmines within the next four years.

As part of the ongoing effort, 500 specially trained Army personnel are being deployed for mine-clearance operations.

Dr Ranasinghe said that, in addition to the work carried out by other sectors, the Army has set a target of clearing 1.5 square km of land annually.

The Government has also doubled the funds allocated for mine-clearance activities compared with the previous year (2025), according to officials.