Award-winning Hollywood actress and international landmine clearance ambassador Rosamund Pike has praised Sri Lanka’s progress in its national demining programme, describing the country’s efforts as highly successful.
Pike made the remarks during a meeting with Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe on August 10, where they discussed the progress of ongoing mine clearance operations in Sri Lanka.
According to officials, around 90% of the areas previously identified as contaminated with landmines have now been successfully cleared.
Approximately 20.8 square kilometres of land remain to be cleared, mainly in difficult and complex terrain. Sri Lanka aims to be declared completely mine-free within the next four years.
As part of the programme, 500 specially trained Sri Lanka Army personnel are expected to be deployed for demining operations. The Army is targeting the clearance of around 1.5 square kilometres annually, in addition to operations carried out by other organisations.
The government has also doubled its financial allocation for demining compared with the previous year.
During the meeting, Pike expressed her appreciation for Sri Lanka’s achievements and the country’s efforts to conduct mine clearance operations in accordance with international standards.
Officials noted that completing the demining programme is expected to support development in the Northern and Eastern provinces, promote tourism and help strengthen trust among communities.
