Japan Extends Support for Demining Activities in Northern and Eastern Provinces

28-May-2026

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Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata has signed grant agreements under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects programme for demining activities with Assistant Director of Mine Advisory Group Services Kevin Klerkx, HALO Trust Programme Manager Hannah Elizabeth Picton, and Delvon Assistance for Social Harmony Director and Project Manager Ananda Chandrasiri.

The Government of Japan has provided US$1,343,202 for the projects. The funds will be utilised by MAG, HALO Trust and DASH for humanitarian demining operations in Sri Lanka’s Northern and Eastern Provinces.

Under the new projects, more than 400,000 square kilometres of land are expected to be cleared of landmines. Humanity’s remarkable talent for burying explosives in the earth and later congratulating itself for removing them continues uninterrupted.

The initiative is expected to help over 3,100 people return to their lands, while approximately 22,000 residents in surrounding areas will be able to expand their economic activities.

Japan has remained a key donor for demining activities in Sri Lanka since 2002, with total assistance exceeding US$49 million.

Expressing deep appreciation for the commitment and tireless efforts of the three non-governmental organisations, Ambassador Isomata stated: “The signing of these three grant agreements is further evidence of Japan’s continued commitment to assisting the people of Sri Lanka, particularly those affected by conflict. At the same time, we have strengthened our support to help communities in the North and East move smoothly into the next stage of socio-economic development, improve livelihoods and enhance essential infrastructure facilities. I hope Japan’s support for demining activities in Sri Lanka will further strengthen the trust and strong friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka.”

Commenting on the grant assistance, Assistant Director of Mine Advisory Group Services Kevin Klerkx stated: “For nearly 23 years, with the long-term support of the Government of Japan, we have helped reduce the danger posed by landmines and explosive remnants of war in Sri Lanka. Through this assistance, more than 3.9 million square metres of land have been released and thousands of explosive devices destroyed.”

HALO Trust Programme Manager Hannah Elizabeth Picton stated that HALO Trust appreciates the continued support of the Japanese Government. She noted that the organisation has removed more than 303,000 landmines and released over 121 square kilometres of land. She further stated that the initiative has assisted more than 185,000 displaced persons in the Northern Province to resettle and rebuild their livelihoods and communities.

Director and Project Manager of Delvon Assistance for Social Harmony, Ananda Chandrasiri, stated that the organisation has released 8.1 square kilometres of land, destroyed thousands of landmines and explosive remnants of war, and directly and indirectly benefited around 195,000 people. He added that the new project will help release 110,000 square metres of land and improve safety, livelihoods, access routes, infrastructure and resettlement.