A visiting United States delegation backing demining work in Sri Lanka has commended progress in the national mine action programme and reaffirmed continued American support, at a meeting at Parliament on Tuesday.
The US government has supported demining in Sri Lanka since the programme began and has allocated USD 8.5 million for these activities in 2026.
Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe told the delegation that US financial and technical assistance remains important to finishing the work quickly. He said only 20.51 square kilometres of land are still to be cleared, and the government aims to clear it as soon as possible.
Clearing the remaining area would allow land affected by mines to be returned to communities for use.
The meeting also covered future operational plans for mine clearance. It was attended by US Congressional staff, representatives of HALO USA, HALO Trust Sri Lanka and the Eleanor Crook Foundation, the Ministry Secretary and senior ministry officials.
