90 per cent of mine-contaminated land cleared in Sri Lanka; Rosamund Pike

11-Aug-2026

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Around 90 per cent of the areas identified as being contaminated with landmines in Sri Lanka have been successfully cleared, while the remaining 20.8 square kilometres constitute highly complex and difficult terrain. Sri Lanka is expected to be declared completely free of landmines within the next four years, internationally renowned Hollywood actress and International Ambassador for Mine Action Rosamund Pike told Minister of Housing and Construction Sushil Ranasinghe.

Rosamund Pike, internationally renowned Hollywood actress and International Ambassador for Mine Action, met Minister of Housing, Construction and Water Supply Sushil Ranasinghe at the Ministry on August 10, 2026, and held a cordial discussion.

During the meeting, Pike inquired about the progress of Sri Lanka’s mine-clearance programme and expressed her appreciation for the work being carried out in accordance with international standards.

She further stated:

“Approximately 90 per cent of the areas in Sri Lanka that were contaminated with landmines have now been successfully cleared. The remaining 20.8 square kilometres comprise highly complex and difficult terrain. It is expected that Sri Lanka will be able to declare itself completely free of landmines within the next four years.

“Steps have been taken to deploy 500 specially trained Sri Lanka Army personnel for mine-clearance operations. Their target, excluding the work carried out by other sectors, is to clear 1.5 square kilometres of land annually through Army operations alone. For this purpose, the Government has doubled the allocation of funds compared to last year.

“This is not merely a task of removing landmines. It is an important national mission aimed at developing the Northern and Eastern provinces, promoting tourism and building confidence among all communities — Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim.”