What’s Happening at Sri Lanka's National Mine Action Centre?

The Sri Lanka National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) plays a pivotal role in implementing humanitarian demining strategies, crucial for the country's post-conflict recovery and development. Established in 2010 following the end of the civil war, its mandate includes coordinating with various agencies to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO), ensuring community safety, and supporting the resettlement of affected populations.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of August 2025, Sri Lanka has 22.8 square kilometres of land contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO). The NMAC has established a clear roadmap towards achieving a mine-free status by 2028, although challenges regarding funding, accessibility, and new hazardous areas persist. The NMAC continues to engage with international partners to secure the necessary resources for demining operations, while prioritising the safety and resettlement of affected communities.

Key takeaways

NMAC coordinates humanitarian demining activities across various agencies in Sri Lanka.
The goal is to become mine-free by 2028, but challenges in funding and new contamination may delay this target.
Demining operations are crucial for the resettlement of displaced populations and the revival of economic activities.

Timeline: how we got here

Demining efforts in Sri Lanka began during the civil conflict in 2002. The establishment of NMAC occurred in 2010, marking a formal approach to demining post-conflict. In 2017, Sri Lanka signed the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Treaty), obliging the country to clear all landmines by June 2028. Recent assessments indicate that 22.8 square kilometres of land remain contaminated, with plans to clear specific districts by 2027.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent assessments reveal that 14 of the 22.8 square kilometres of contaminated land are located in Mullaitivu, with plans to continue focused clearing operations in this district and others such as Puttalam and Anuradhapura. However, the NMAC has acknowledged that the 2028 deadline may be unrealistic, with plans to seek an extension in 2027.

What was already established

Since becoming a state party to the Ottawa Treaty, Sri Lanka has been obligated to implement comprehensive mine action strategies aimed at achieving a landmine-free status. The ongoing challenges include funding shortages, bureaucratic hurdles, and the discovery of new hazardous areas that complicate the demining efforts.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK readers, the demining efforts in Sri Lanka indirectly affect global humanitarian efforts and international development policies. Funding and support for mine action programs often come from international donors, including the UK, highlighting the importance of continued engagement in global humanitarian issues.

Businesses and jobs

Demining operations create jobs and stimulate local economies as communities regain access to previously hazardous lands. This can lead to increased agricultural productivity and the revival of local businesses, contributing to overall economic stability in the region.

Policy and regulation

The UK government’s support for NMAC and similar initiatives reflects its commitment to international obligations regarding humanitarian disarmament and post-conflict recovery. This collaborative approach may influence future policies and funding allocations for demining and related humanitarian efforts globally.

Numbers that matter

22.8 square kilometres: Total area remaining contaminated as of August 2025.
1,300 square kilometres: Area cleared since the inception of demining activities in 2002.
14 square kilometres: Contaminated area in Mullaitivu, the most affected district.
£250 million: Total funding received from international donors since 2010.
150 million rupees: Requested budget for the upcoming year to support demining efforts.

Definitions and jargon buster

NMAC: National Mine Action Centre, responsible for coordinating demining activities in Sri Lanka.
CHA: Confirmed Hazardous Area, a location where landmines or UXO are confirmed to exist.
SHA: Suspected Hazardous Area, a location where landmines or UXO are suspected to exist but not confirmed.
Ottawa Treaty: An international treaty that aims to eliminate anti-personnel landmines.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The immediate focus will be on clearing identified districts, specifically Mullaitivu, Puttalam, and Anuradhapura, while ensuring community safety and the resettlement of affected populations.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, NMAC will work towards solidifying funding commitments and addressing any new hazardous areas that may arise from ongoing assessments.

Signals to watch

Updates on funding from international donors and the UK government.
Progress reports from NMAC on demining operations and area clearance.
Changes to the timeline for achieving mine-free status, particularly any announcements regarding extensions to the 2028 deadline.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of demining.
Support initiatives that promote funding for humanitarian demining programs.

Don’t

Do not enter areas marked as hazardous without proper clearance.
Avoid spreading misinformation about the status of clearance operations.

Checklist

Stay informed about the latest developments in Sri Lanka's mine action program.
Understand the importance of international treaties in supporting humanitarian efforts.
Monitor funding trends and donor contributions to mine action initiatives.
Keep track of NMAC's progress and milestones in achieving a mine-free status.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Challenges remain regarding potential funding cuts from international donors, including the impact of global priorities shifting away from mine action. Furthermore, the discovery of new hazardous areas complicates the timeline for achieving a mine-free Sri Lanka. Continued commitment from both the government and international partners is essential to overcome these obstacles.

Bottom line

Sri Lanka's quest to become mine-free by 2028 faces significant hurdles, including funding limitations and the emergence of new hazardous areas. However, the comprehensive approach adopted by the NMAC, along with international support, offers a pathway toward achieving this ambitious goal, ultimately contributing to the safety and prosperity of affected communities.

FAQs

What is the Sri Lanka National Mine Action Centre's primary goal?

The primary goal of the NMAC is to implement effective mine action strategies to clear landmines and unexploded ordnance, ensuring safe land for communities and supporting post-conflict recovery.

How does NMAC coordinate with other agencies for demining?

NMAC coordinates with various government agencies and international partners through regular meetings to discuss operational challenges and ensure effective implementation of demining activities.

What is the current status of funding for mine action in Sri Lanka?

The funding situation for mine action in Sri Lanka involves contributions from various international donors, with the US being a significant supporter, alongside hopes for increased domestic funding from the Sri Lankan government.