Japan extends support for Humanitarian Demining Activities in the Northern and Eastern Provinces

On 27th May 2026, His Excellency Akio ISOMATA, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, signed a grant contract for a demining project under the scheme of “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)”, with Mr. Kevin Klerx, Head of Support Services of the Mines Advisory Group(MAG), Ms. Hannah Picton, Programme Manager of the Hazardous Area Life-support Organization(The HALO Trust)  and Mr. Ananda Chandrasiri, Director/ Program Manager of the Delvon Assistance for Social Harmony (DASH).

The Government of Japan has provided USD 1,343,202 (approx. Rs. 400million) for these projects, which will be implemented by MAG, The HALO Trust and DASH, to support their humanitarian demining activities in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka.  Under this new project, almost 400,000 m² of land is expected to be made mine-free, allowing more than 3,100 people to return to their land and approx. 22,000 people in the surrounding areas to expand their economic activities.  Japan has been a major donor to demining activities in Sri Lanka since 2002, and the total assistance amounts to over USD 49 million.

”Expressing his deepest gratitude to the three NGOs for their untiring efforts in the demining activities, Ambassador ISOMATA said: “Today's signing of three (3) grant contracts is another testament to Japan’s commitment to continued assistance to the people of Sri Lanka, especially to those in the conflict-affected areas. At the same time, we also have to strengthen assistance to the affected communities for the enhancement of livelihoods and improvement of necessary infrastructure, in order to help the people of the communities to move on to the next stage of socio-economic development in the North and East in a seamless manner. I hope Japan’s continued assistance to the demining efforts of Sri Lanka will further strengthen the strong bond of trust and friendship that exists between Japan and Sri Lanka.”

Commenting on the receipt of this grant assistance, Mr. Kevin Klerx, Head of Support Services of MAG, stated. “For nearly 23 years, MAG has helped reduce the threat of landmines and ERW in Sri Lanka, with longstanding support from the government of Japan. This assistance has enabled MAG to release over 3.9 million square meters of land and destroy thousands of explosive items.” 

Commenting on the receipt of this grant assistance, Ms. Hannah Picton, Programme Manager of the HALO Trust, stated. “The HALO Trust is delighted with the continued and generous support from the Government of Japan. HALO has cleared 303,000 landmines and released 121 square kilometres of contaminated land. Supporting over 185,000 displaced people to resettle in the Northern Province, enabling communities to rebuild and restore sustainable livelihoods.”

Commenting on the receipt of this grant assistance, Mr. Ananda Chandrasiri, Director / Programme Manager of DASH, stated. “DASH has cleared 8.1 km² of land, destroyed thousands of mines and explosive remnants, and benefited nearly 195,000 people directly and indirectly. This project will clear over 110,000 square meters, improving safety, livelihoods, and access to infrastructure, and enabling resettlement.”