CONVENTION ON THE PROHIBITION OF THE USE, STOCKPILING,
PRODUCTION, TRANSFER OF
ANTI-PERSONNEL MINES AND ON THEIR DESTRUCTION
Article 7 ReportState Party: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Point of contact: W. S. Sathyananda
Secretary, Ministry to the Urban Development and Housing
National Director - National Mine Action Centre (NMAC)
Phone: +940112862225
Email: secretary.udhousing@gmail.com

1Submitted 31st of May 2024 covering the period
January 1, 2023

toDecember 31, 2023

1. National implementation measures
The Sri Lanka National Mine Action Completion Strategy was developed by the NMAC with thesupport of GICHD in collaboration with all other stakeholders. In March 2023, the Governmentof Sri Lanka endorsed the Sri Lanka National Mine Action Completion Strategy1 2023-2027,
demonstrating the government’s strategic commitment to completion.
The first of four strategic objectives focuses on land release and the implementation of an inclusive
and transparent completion survey that facilitates Sri Lanka’s Article 5 completion. This process
will allow the Government of Sri Lanka to declare their administrative areas "mine free,"indicating confidence that all known mined areas have been identified and cleared, with no further
evidence or suspicion of mines on their land at this time. The completion survey process is being
implemented throughout all Grame Niladaree Divisions (Sri Lanka’s Smallest Administrative
Boundary) to identify any previously unknown explosive ordnance and to declare areas free fromany suspicion or presence of explosive ordnance (EO).
The second strategic objective is to maintain strong national ownership of its mine action
programme by ensuring that its structures are well-equipped and resourced. This commitmentaligns with Oslo 57 and Lausanne 58 Action Plans action number 1, emphasizing national
ownership and financial commitments. NMAC pledges to coordinate regularly and transparently
with the Sri Lankan government, international donors, operators, and other partners, organizing
bi-annual coordination meetings. This effort supports OAP action number 43 on national
coordination and aligns with Grand Bargain principles.
Under the third objective of the Management of Residual contamination, Sri Lanka aims to shift
from proactive survey and clearance of known explosive ordnance (EO) contamination toreactively addressing reported residual contamination by 2027. IMAS 04.10 defines residual
contamination as the contamination that persists after all reasonable efforts to remove it.
Recognizing the importance of timely planning for this transition, Sri Lanka's previous strategy
included managing residual contamination, with the SLA HDU responsible for this task. In linewith OAP action #26, the GoSL will continue planning collaboratively with stakeholders. The
Police Task Force will handle explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) callouts under the 2022
Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines Act. The SLA HDU, with its extensive experience, is wellpositioned to manage future residual contamination. Ensuring the SLA HDU is well-equipped andtrained in IMSMA Core is crucial for a smooth transition. Sustainable EORE structures will bestrengthened to promote safe behavior and inform communities about EO risks and reporting
procedures
1

https://www.gichd.org/publications-resources/publications/sri-lanka-national-mine-action-completion-strategy/2

With the anticipated completion of all known contaminated areas by the end of 2027, theGovernment of Sri Lanka is committed to ensuring that relevant plans are in place to ensure asmooth demobilization of mine action staff currently employed by four operators (MAG, HALO,DASH and SHARP), as outlined in Strategic Objective 4 “Staff Transition” of the National Mine
Action Completion Strategy 2023-2027. This strategic objective draws upon the framework
developed by MAG for its own workforce, with MAG assuming a leadership role in staff transition
within the mine action sector in Sri Lanka. The staff transition process consists of three main
phases, which are structured to be implemented before and during the gradual demobilization ofstaff, continuing until the completion of clearance and phase-out.
2. Stockpiled anti-personnel mines
NMAC reported that all stockpiled AP mines, except training purpose have been destroyed in 24
Aug 2021 almost a year earlier than the deadline set by the convention.
3. Anti-personnel mines retained or transferred for permitted purposes
As of 31 December 2023, the Sri Lanka armed forces retained 7,339 anti-personnel mines forpurposes permitted under Article 3 of the Convention
Type
P4 MARK II

Quantity
Remained
3960

Lot number

TYPE 72

128

VS 50

393

006,013,012,009,092,004,091,007,036,008,093,00
1,021,090,028,008,050,007,006,031,092,020,045,
044,014,013,092,085,007,007,008,007,086,007,04
8,009,059,092,089,006,093,095,053,003,033,013,
018,015,008,005,048,052,031,008,006,032,001,00
4,028,030,013,031,014,047,007,030,044,004,091,
045,008,007,071,024,007,010,006,003,006,008,03
8,008,006,007,032,017,026,014,021,003,031,011,
046,013,052,052,048,007,029,015
51-95-652A, 40-95-652A, 51-95-652A, 51-95652A, 48-95-652A
EJD-001, EJD-001, EJD-001

TYPE 196962

Unknown

PRB 40918

FMP -1-01-01-74

Mine AP(CH)
Mine AntiPersonal(POF)AP Mine P4
MK - II7
17
2701

042,039,030,060,001,034,064,019,058,057,074,03
4,021,002,022,006,018,019,020,022,024,025,030,
038,043,044,048,050,057,058,059,060,0673Jonymine(LTTE)
Rangan 99

04

Standard
APM (FactorymadePakisatan
Stranded
APM(Chinese)Standed APM(Germen)Jony mine(LTTE)
Rangan96(LTTE)

02

06

02
01
12
25

Anti – TANK 01
Mine 3APM(ORIGI
NAL)
Source: Ministry of Defence
The Sri Lanka armed forces authorized to retain anti personnel mines for permitted purposes: theSri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka navy, Sri Lank Airforce, and Special task force Katukurunda. It retains
anti-personnel mines for training mine detection dogs, testing demining machines and studying theeffect of the blast of various types of anti-personnel mines on demining equipment. During thecourse of 2023, authorized institutions used 2,366 anti-personnel mines for permitted purposes asfollows;

4

Type
P4MARK II

TYPE 72

Quantity
used

AuthorizedInstitution
2008 Sri Lanka
Army54110 Sri Lanka
Army5
VS 50
98
TYPPE
77 Sri Lanka
1969
Army5
PRB 409
20 Sri Lanka
Army5
AP Mine P4
53 Sri Lanka
MK - II
Air Force
Source: Ministry of Defence

Lot Numbers

Actual use

004,008,091,029,011,0
29,008,008,048,055,01
0,007,020,047,090,028,
090,020,028,014,008,0
10,008,005,058,009,02
9,017,032,029,093,048,
018,032,015,013,007,0
47,084,033,006,032,01
8,006,008,004,013,011,
004,093,004,023,017,0
05,03322-95-652A,01-95652A
EJD- 001
Unknown

2008

FMP – 1-01-01-74

20

060,039,001,038,022,0
02,019,057,06

53

110
98
77

In 2024, the Government of Sri Lanka anticipates that authorized institutions will again make useof approximately 1,750 anti-personnel mines for ongoing programmes related to training mine
detection dogs, testing demining machines and studying the effect of the blast of various types ofanti-personnel mines on demining equipment.
4. Areas known or suspected to contain anti-personnel mines
As of 31 December 2023, there were 654 areas primarily located in the North and East, as well asother subordinate districts, known to contain anti-personnel mines, totaling 16,831,534 square
meters. Additionally, there were 171 areas suspected to contain anti-personnel mines, totaling
4,743,729 square meters. These areas, whether confirmed or suspected to contain anti-personnel
mines, are distributed across 11 districts within all four provinces of Sri Lanka, as outlined below:

5Summary of areas known or suspected to contain anti-personnel mines as of 31 December 2023
Province

Northern

NCP
NWP
Eastern

District

JaffnaKilinochchi
MannarMullaitivu
Vavuniya
Anuradhapura
Polonnaruwa
Puttalam
AmparaBatticaloa
Trincomalee

Total

Numberof areas
known tocontainanti
personnel
mines

Number ofareas
suspected
to containanti
personnel
mines

Total
number ofareas
known orsuspected
to containanti
personnel
mines

18
84
158
298
44
1
3

2
3
39
44
26
0
4

2
26
20
654

12
17
24
171

20
87
197
342
70
1
7
0
14
43
44
825

Amount ofarea known tocontain anti
personnel
mines(square
meters)Amount ofarea suspected
to contain anti
personnel
mines(square
meters)Total amountof area known
or suspected tocontain anti
personnel
mines(square
metres)8149921241898
196255611273552
83799612705

71,402
217,207604,694
2,024,324
1,043,724

886,394
1,459,105
2,567,250
13,297,876
1,881,720
12,70570,233
0
11,135997,153
391,692
21,575,263

70,23311135
381,018295682
16,831,534

616,135
96,0104,743,729

Source: IMSMA, NMAC

Throughout the year 2023, Sri Lanka Mine Action Centre (NMAC) declared 109 areas totaling
5,316,665.4 square meters as safe zones, free from the suspected presence of anti-personnel mines
and other explosive remnants of war (ERW), to be used for normal human activities. These areas,
located in eight districts in three provinces were officially released for human activities. In totalof 19,212 anti-personnel mines and 21,656 other explosive items, including 33 anti-vehicle mines
and unexploded ordnance (UXO), were safely removed in accordance with the national mine
action standards.
Province

District
CancelledareaNorthern
NCP
Eastern

JaffnaKilinochchi
MannarMullaitivu
Vavuniya
Anuradhapura
Polonnaruwa
AmparaBatticaloa
Trincomalee

20719.5179740

In square meters
ReducedClearedarea
area
39788.5
19570
4684
29217941512316
6100
21,654.5

777,444.5

60,972
1,434,384.5
241,9672,539,969.9
341,02124694
34,294120,478
31,535
4,829,315.4

Source: IMSMA, NMAC

6

Total area
released
121,480
1,434,384.5
246,830
2,539,969.9
756,884
24,69434,3100126,578
31,5355,316,665.4

No of Items destroyed
ATs
Number of
Other
explosives
214
408
8714
28
15,635
539
39
9045
2
5362
382
3
137
0
33
70
1
0
231
8
17
19,212
33
21,623
APs

Number ofareas
released
4
34
14
36
17
2
1
1
109

Sri Lanka’s national mine action completion strategy, based on the 15,379,942.45 square metersof CHA remaining as of September 2022, was officially endorsed by the Government of Sri Lanka
in March 2023. The first of four strategic objectives focuses on land release and the implementationof an inclusive and transparent completion survey that facilitates Sri Lanka’s Article 5 completion.
Sri Lanka’s completion process will allow the Government of Sri Lanka to declare theiradministrative areas “mine free”. This means that they are confident that all known mined areas
have been identified and cleared and that there is no further evidence and/or suspicion of mines,
at this time, on their land. The process formalize the mechanisms around the ongoing survey andclearance so that the Government can document the ‘completion’ of administrative areas in aconsistent and transparent manner. This will enable the Government to demonstrate that All
Reasonable Effort has been made to identify and clear all mined areas, as per its article 5
obligations. ‘Completion’, in the context of Sri Lanka, refers to Sri Lanka fulfilling its APMBC
Article 5 obligations and identifying and clearing anti-vehicle (AV) mines and other explosive
ordnance (EO).
Sri Lanka’s Completion Survey will go beyond its article 5 obligations, with the inclusion of AV
mines in the completion declaration. In addition, any Explosive Remnants of War (ERW)
identified during the survey shall be reported through relevant mechanisms. Given the probabilities
of residual ERW contamination, these items are not included in the declaration form. The
completion process standard operating procedure (SOP) outlines the process in detail and has beentranslated into Tamil and Sinhala.
As of 21 May 2024, the completion survey has been commenced throughout the 425 GN divisions,of which 313 have been validated. Out of these 313, survey teams concluded that there is no further
evidence and/or suspicion of EO contamination in 201 GNs and recommended them fordeclaration. Survey teams recommended follow up visits to 224 GNs. The completion survey
process includes dedicated non-technical survey (NTS) activities to identify any
unidentified/unreported/unrecorded contamination. Since the inception of the completion survey
process from 01 December 2023, newly identified hazardous areas by province are listed below;
Province
Northern
Eastern
NCP and NWP

Number of newhazards areas
74
19

Hazard area in square
meters4,001,450
258,3223

33,908

Note: NCP- North Central Province and NWP- North Western Province
Source: IMSMA, NMAC

Due to the identification of previously unknown contamination, the contamination baseline from
September 2022 of 15.4 sq km has increased by another 13 sq km. Out of that, in the year 2023,
5,331,235 Square meters was released for community use as safer land, ensuring the absence of
any AP mines and all other ERW. As of now, the total remaining contamination area is 23,445,611
Square meters (CHA- 17,868,150.5 / SHA- 5,577,460.5) based on reported data in IMSMA . In
2024, NMAC expects that a total number of 235 areas, , totaling 7,022,291 square meters, will be
released in the Northern, Eastern, and NCP provinces. However, during the completion survey,
there is a possibility of discovering additional, previously unknown contaminated areas. As a7result, the projection may vary accordingly. In June 2024, NMAC will analyse various completion
scenarios together with GICHD and operators, based on the remaining contamination and available
funding. This will allow Sri Lanka to determine a realistic Article 5 completion date, based on
updated contamination and funding information.
Summary of projections for the number of areas and the amount of area (square metres) known orsuspected to contain anti-personnel mines to be released 2024-2027.
Northern
2024
2025
2026
2027

Areas
Area
Areas
Area
Areas
Area
Areas
Area

200
6,468,524
166
5,390,437
166
5,390,437
133
4,312,349

Eastern

NCP

32
533,50127
444,58427
444,58421
355,6673
20,2662
16,8892
16,8891
13,511

NWP

Total
Total
Areas
Area
235
7,022,291
1
196
37,9705,889,880
195
5,851,910
155
4,681,527

Source: IMSMA, NMACThe Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) expects further financial, capacity development andstrategic support from the donor community and the GICHD to strengthen the demining
organization and expedite the process to achieve the target as expected. In addition to donor
funding, the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) needs GOSL funds for Sri Lanka Armydemining operations including MDD, as well as for NMAC and Regional Mine Action Office(RMAO) responsibilities related to clearance, survey, quality assurance, information management,
capacity development, and other operational needs. GOSL can provide a detailed project proposal
outlining its funding needs and expected results to those interested in supporting its efforts tocomplete the implementation of Article 5.
EO Risk Education and Reduction effort
Regarding EORE, Sri Lanka improved the sustainability of its risk education activities byintegrating EORE into the school curriculum in the northern and eastern provinces. Additionally,
EORE training materials and tools were developed and distributed in Tamil and Sinhala languages,
enhancing outreach and effectiveness.
In 2023, all EORE activities were conducted by the EORE teams of respective organizations,prioritizing areas with the most urgent concerns to reduce the risk of accidents. Looking ahead,
the National Mine Action Center and its implementor partners will collaborate to plan EORE risk
education programs for areas where unknown contamination areas are identified during thecompletion
surveyprocess.
As a result of best practices and the continuation of EORE efforts, mine accidents have gradually
decreased over the last couple of years. Last year, only one incident was reported, resulting in two
injuries caused by APs.
8

Number of individuals killed or injured by anti-personnel mines, 1 January-31 December 2023
KilledInjured
Total

Women
-

Girls
-

boys
1
1

-

Men
1
1

Total
2
2

5. Technical characteristics of anti-personnel mines
Not applicable as the Sri Lanka does not produce any anti-personnel mines.
6. Conversion or decommissioning of anti-personnel mine production facilities
Sri Lanka has no additional information on the technical characteristics of anti-personnel mines
owned or possessed. See the report submitted in 2021 for information that has already been
provided by the Sri Lanka on the technical characteristics of anti-personnel mines possessed by
Sri Lanka
7. Victim Assistancea. Data on Direct and Indirect Victims (in reference to Oslo Action 35)
Assessment
During the period 2002 – 2009, IMSMA recorded 1,765 victims of landmines and other explosive
ordnances. Of these, the conflict-affected Eastern and Northern Provinces accounted for 93
percent, with 1,451 victims.
Since 2010 with the establishment of the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), data has been
available at the district level and recorded annually. Landmine accidents have significantly
decreased over the past decade, dropping from a total of 55 casualties in 2010 to just 2 casualties
in 2023 – please refer to the table below for a geographic and year-by-year breakdown. This
substantial reduction underscores the effectiveness of ongoing mine clearance efforts, explosive
ordnance risk education activities, awareness campaigns, and other preventive measures
implemented in recent years. Data cleaning and verification are currently in progress to ensure theaccuracy of these figures and disaggregation by age and gender, and to address any discrepancies
that may have been reported in the previous year's Article 7 report.
As a State Party that ratifies the UNCRPD in 2016, the Government of Sri Lanka assured its
commitment with the submission of the initial state party report as per Article 35(1) of the
UNCRPD in 20192 where information on persons with disabilities, including landmine victims,
was provided.
2

GoSL initial state party report para 201. Accessed athttps://www.stateminsamurdhi.gov.lk/web/images/content_image/notices/CRPD_initial_report.pdf

9

As the country approaches the final stages of mine clearance operations, it is important to monitor
potential injuries that may occur beyond the scope of data collected by the mine action sector
through NMAC, and therefore integrate data collection efforts into mainstream government
practices.
In line with the commitments outlined in the National Mine Action Completion Strategy 20232027, NMAC acknowledges that its responsibilities with regards to victim assistance primarily
entails a facilitating role, ensuring that accurate information on victims of landmines and otherexplosive ordnances is readily available for coordination and support efforts aimed at addressing
their specific needs.
Districts
AmparaBatticaloa
JaffnaKilinochchi
MannarMullaitivu
Polonnaruwa
Puttalam
Trincomalee
VavuniyaGrand Total

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Grand Total
2
2
2
1
3
22 13
7
1
2
3
1
5
1
55
13
6
6
5
5
2
2
4
3
1
4
51
6
7
3
2
18
4
8 24
11
2
4
1
2
56
2
2
1
1
5
1
1
1
2
10
2
3
1
6
55 30 50
1 18
6
6
3
6
9
6
7
5
2
204

Source: IMSMA, NMAC

Objectives• By the end of 2024, accidents related to landmines and other explosive ordnances will be
included as a cause of disability in the national injury surveillance system forms and databasemanaged by the Ministry of Health to monitor potential injuries in the future, as outlined in
Strategic Objective 2 “Coordination and National Ownership” – Outcome 2.2 of the National
Mine Action Completion Strategy 2023-2027.
•

By the end of 2025, the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social
Empowerment will formally integrate IMSMA data shared by NMAC on victims of landmines
and other explosive ordnances into their existing databases, disaggregated by age, gender anddisability, as outlined in Strategic Objective 2 “Coordination and National Ownership” –Outcome 2.2 of the National Mine Action Completion Strategy 2023-2027.

Enhancements made / to be made to pertinent legislation, policies and plans:• By the end of 2024, the Ministry of Health will appoint a dedicated Victim Assistance focal
person, who will have a clear set of responsibilities, to improve inter-ministerial coordinationand facilitate the inclusion of accidents related to landmines and other explosive ordnances asa cause of disability in the national injury surveillance system forms, aligning with Strategic
Objective 2 of the National Mine Action Completion Strategy 2023-2027.

10•

By the end of 2024, the Department of Social Services and the National Secretariat for Persons
with Disabilities will appoint a dedicated Victim Assistance focal person, who will be assigned
a clear set of responsibilities, to support inter-ministerial coordination and improve data
centralization efforts that are inclusive of victims of landmines and other explosive ordnances.

•

By the end of 2025, improved coordination will take place with the Ministry of Health,
Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment and other relevant government
and non-government stakeholders to ensure that both existing data and future data collection
related to disability does include information on victims of landmines and other explosive
ordnances.

b. Medical Care (in reference to Oslo Actions 34 and 36)
Assessment
Sri Lanka has a well-established healthcare delivery system, built on the foundation of providing
free healthcare to its citizens. The Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services provide
a wide range of promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare, through its extensive
network of healthcare institutions across the island. The curative arm of the provincial healthdirectorates operates through District General, Base, Divisional hospitals, and Primary Health Careunits, which come under the purview of provincial health authorities. However, the financial andresource constraints, worsened by the current economic crisis, put enormous pressure on
policymakers and health authorities. And people, including landmine victims, may still have to
make direct payments for other services such as transportation costs of seeking healthcare oropportunity costs such as lost wages in seeking healthcare. These factors often result in high outof-pocket expenditure or delays in receiving necessary medical care, a situation exacerbated by
the current cost of living and inflation.
Objectives• By the end of 2025, necessary improvements will be made in referral systems to ensure
landmine victims receive the support they need in terms of healthcare, rehabilitation,
psychological support and socio-economic inclusion, especially in the Northern and Eastern
Provinces, as outlined in Strategic Objective 2 “Coordination and National Ownership” –Outcome 2.2 of the National Mine Action Completion Strategy 2023-2027, and in compliancewith Oslo Action Point 35.
Enhancements made / to be made to pertinent legislation, policies and plans:• By the end of 2024, survey findings from 20% of landmine victims identified by NMAC in its
IMSMA will be shared with appointed Victim Assistance focal persons at the Ministry of
Health and Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment and other relevant
stakeholders for targeted action.
•

By the end of 2025, improved coordination will be established with provincial healthauthorities and social service officers to better identify, refer, and address the specific needs oflandmine victims. This initiative will primarily target the Northern and Eastern Provinces of
Sri Lanka, where the prevalence of landmine victims is higher.

11c. Physical Rehabilitation (in reference to Oslo Actions 34 and 38)
Assessment
The Jaffna Jaipur Centre for Disability Rehabilitation (JJCDR) serves as the primary prosthetics
and orthotics center in the North and East of Sri Lanka. Additionally, physical rehabilitation
centers are operational at government hospitals and NGO-run facilities, as outlined in last year’s
Article 7 report. However, significant challenges persist, especially in the Northern and Eastern
Provinces3, including the lack of awareness among landmine survivors and other persons withdisabilities regarding the availability and importance of physical rehabilitation services. Factors
such as transportation costs and the absence of long-term follow-up at home and community levels
contribute to the risk of individuals discontinuing their rehabilitation or ceasing the use of assistive
devices. According to the National Health Strategic Master Plan 2016 – 2025 (Rehabilitative
Services)4, initiatives are in progress to gradually enhance access to disability care and physicalrehabilitation services across the island, including in the North and East.
Objectives• By mid-2024, the Ministry of Health will publish the National Rehabilitation Guidelines whichcontain an explicit reference to landmine victims, aiming to improving the quality, accessibility
and effectiveness of rehabilitation services across the island, including in the Northern andEastern Provinces.
•

By the end of 2025, accurate and up-to-date data about the situation of landmine victims is
made available to identify gaps in access to physical rehabilitation services, as outlined in
Strategic Objective 2 “Coordination and National Ownership” – Outcome 2.2 of the National
Mine Action Completion Strategy 2023-2027, and in compliance with Oslo Action Point 35.

Enhancements made / to be made to pertinent legislation, policies and plans:• (Supply side) By the end of 2024, a qualitative survey will be conducted among rehabilitation
centers in the North and East regions to understand the profile of their patients and the extent
of inclusion of landmine victims within their services.
•(Demand side) By the end of 2024, survey findings from 20% of landmine victims identified
by NMAC in its IMSMA will be shared with appointed Victim Assistance focal persons at the
Ministry of Health and physical rehabilitation centers for targeted action.

d. Psychological and Psycho-Social Support (in reference to Oslo Actions 34 and 38)
Assessment
Sri Lanka has reported that mental health services are available in the Northern and Eastern
Provinces and the mental health network has improved. Basic counselling services are available
and are being further developed.

3

GoSL initial state party report para 132-134 & 137.

4https://www.health.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Rehabilitative-Services.pdf

12The revised National Mental Health Policy 2020-20305 outlines significant commitments in mental
health promotion and services across the island. At provincial and district levels, Mental HealthCommittees chaired by Provincial Directors of Health Services and Regional Directors of HealthServices are tasked with ensuring the comprehensive and timely implementation of various
strategies and activities as outlined by the National Mental Health Policy.
One of the challenges in providing mental healthcare in Sri Lanka is the low level of mental healthliteracy, especially in rural areas, and the reluctance to seek help due to stigma,
Objectives• By the end of 2025, coordination will be established with the Directorate of Mental Healthunder the Ministry of Health to ensure that commitments towards the provision of “services
for trauma-affected individuals” explicitly encompass victims of landmines and otherexplosive ordnances, especially in the context of Northern and Eastern Provinces, , as outlinedin Strategic Objective 2 “Coordination and National Ownership” – Outcome 2.2 of the
National Mine Action Completion Strategy 2023-2027 (VA obligations being integrated into
relevant plans and policies).
•

By the end of 2025, necessary improvements will be made in referral systems to ensure
landmine victims receive the support they need in terms of psychological support, subject tomeeting the pre-conditions in data collection enhancement and sharing among relevant
stakeholders, as outlined in the sections above.

Enhancements made / to be made to pertinent legislation, policies and plans:• By the end of 2024, the Ministry of Health will appoint a dedicated Victim Assistance focal
person at the national level, who will be actively involved in coordinating and including
landmine victims into relevant mental health and psychosocial support services andprogrammes administered by the Ministry and its partners.
•

By the end of 2024, efforts will be made to clarify the availability and accessibility of peer-topeer support services for landmine victims in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.

e. Socio-Economic Inclusion (in reference to Oslo Actions 34 and 39)
Assessment
Socio-economic inclusion encompasses inclusive education, social and economic inclusion andsocial protection. Government services and NGO-run programs focusing on the needs of people
with disabilities often overlook landmine victims, leading to a lack of data within disability-related
initiatives. This hampers awareness of the unique challenges faced by landmine victims and
impedes targeted support. Bridging this gap requires enhanced collaboration between government
agencies, advocacy groups, and stakeholders to recognize, document, and address the specificneeds of landmine victims within disability-focused policies and programs.
Objectives• By the end of 2024, the Government of Sri Lanka will publish the new Disability Act to replace5

https://mentalhealth.health.gov.lk/images/2022/NationalMentalHealthPolicy_Final_12.10.2021PRINT-1.pdf page 50

13the existing No. 28 of 1996 on the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities,
ensuring compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities (UNCPRD) which sets standards for victim assistance. This will allow explicit
reference to assisting survivors and victims of landmines and other explosive ordnances.
Enhancements made / to be made to pertinent legislation, policies and plans:• By mid-2024, enhanced coordination will occur with the Department of Social Services, theNational Council for Persons with Disabilities, the National Secretariat for Persons with
Disabilities and the Ministry of Justice to discuss the integration of victim assistance in the
new Act. This includes effectively addressing the needs and rights of victims, including theirsocio-economic needs and rights, as committed under Strategic Objective 2 of the National
Mine Action Completion Strategy 2023-2027.
•

By the end of 2025, the Victim Assistance focal persons at the Department of Social Services
and the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities will facilitate the referral of IMSMA
recorded victims to community-based rehabilitation, socio-economic support and vocational
training services that are under their purview, based on individual needs.

f. Safety and Protection (in reference to Oslo Action 40)
Assessment
The Sri Lanka Disaster Management Act, No. 13 of 2005, along with the Disaster Risk
Management Roadmaps Vol I and II titled “Towards a Safer Sri Lanka” and the National Policy
on Disaster Management of Sri Lanka of 2013, expressly prioritizes support for vulnerable groups,
including children, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and women, during disasters. These
policies underscore the importance of ensuring equity in the distribution of resources based on theseverity of the disaster and the vulnerability of affected populations.
The National Disaster Management Plan 2023-2030 recognizes persons with disabilities as one of
the key vulnerable categories who are affected by disasters disproportionately and the level ofresilience and ability to recover is uneven due to the varied types of disabilities. Lack of access toearly warnings and evacuation notifications, scarcity of suitable emergency transportation facilities
and needed medical equipment, communication difficulties, etc. are some of the challenges
experienced by people with disabilities when affected by disasters.
Objectives• By the end of 2024, a national early warning dissemination programme will be designed andimplemented, with the participation of vulnerable groups such as women, children, elderly andpeople with disabilities, to ensure that early warnings reach the last-mile communities, as
outlined in the Pillar 4 of the National Disaster Management Plan 2023-2030 (Action 4.4.1).
Enhancements made / to be made to pertinent legislation, policies and plans:• By the end of 2024, enhanced coordination will take place between the Disaster Management
Centre, District and Divisional Secretariats, Local Government and other relevant stakeholders
to co-develop a national early warning dissemination programme that is inclusive of all
vulnerable and marginalized groups, including people with disabilities.
• By the end of 2024, IMSMA data on landmine victims will be shared with the Disaster
Management Centre for further consideration and action.
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g. Coordination (in reference to Oslo Actions 33, 34 and 37)
Assessment
As per the National Mine Action Completion Strategy 2023-2027, Sri Lanka aligns with theprinciple that specialized victim assistance (VA) efforts should be transitional, ultimately
integrating into broader frameworks. The National Mine Action Center (NMAC) assumes afacilitating role in VA, prioritizing activities such as awareness campaigns, coordination, andinformation dissemination. Efforts are underway to tackle strategic challenges concerning
information management, coordination, and awareness raising.
At the national level, consultations have occurred with key stakeholders including the National
Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities (NSPD), Department of Social Services, and the
Directorate for Youth, Elderly, and Persons with Disabilities (YED) within the Ministry of Health.
While exchanges are positive, formalization is pending to ensure consistency and sustainability ofongoing mainstreaming actions.
Objectives• By the end of 2024, the appointment of Victim Assistance focal persons will facilitate better
coordination between different government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders involvedin providing assistance to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
• By the end of 2025, a comprehensive directory of services will be compiled and disseminatedto facilitate the referral process for landmine victims across the country, with a focus on the
North and East. This directory will encompass a wide range of support services, including
medical care, rehabilitation, psychological support, socio-economic assistance, and vocational
training programs.
Enhancements made / to be made to pertinent legislation, policies and plans:• By the end of 2024, Victim Assistance focal persons will be appointed at the Ministry of Social
Services and Ministry of Health. These appointees will operate with agreed Terms ofReference and will be fully operational.
• By the end of 2025, an inter-ministerial coordination body will be established to advance theagenda of victim assistance, prevent duplication of efforts and ensure accurate information on
victims.
• By the end of 2024, NMAC will leverage expertise and resources from external stakeholders
from the civil society to strengthen its capacity in effectively coordinating efforts acrossvarious sectors and stakeholders to ensure implementation of agreed actions.
h. Participation (in reference to Oslo Action 41)
Assessment
Sri Lanka has established a network of self-help organizations (SHOs) at the divisional level,
which has been expanded to the district level. These SHOs serve as a social empowerment
initiative under the guidance of social service officers. Additionally, Organizations of Persons with
Disabilities (OPDs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) supporting people with disabilities
have been established at the divisional, district, and national levels. However, their operational
activities have been significantly affected by financial constraints and reduced donor funding,15

further exacerbated by the Covid-19 Pandemic and the economic crisis.
At national level, the Disability Organizations Joint Front (DOJF), acting as an umbrella body ofOPDs, CSOs, and service providers, actively engages in national-level policy dialogues advocating
for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, including landmine victims. The Sri Lanka
Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (SLFRD) and DOJF were active members of the
Sri Lanka Campaign to Ban Landmines (SLCBL). Currently, the Forum on Disarmament &Development serves as the Secretariat for SLCBL.
The parliamentary caucus on disability inclusion has intervened to incorporate Article 33 of the
UNCRPD into the draft Disability Act, currently under final review by the Ministry of Justice.
And on the basis of the National Action Plan on Disability developed in 2014, a review is underway
to develop a new plan. This entails potential for the inclusion of victims of armed conflict,including landmine victims, while also addressing the state's obligation to provide lifelong support
for these individuals.
Objectives• By the end of 2025, the new National Disability Action Plan will be published and address theneeds of people with disabilities, including landmine victims.
Enhancements made / to be made to pertinent legislation, policies and plans:• By the end of 2025, the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities will consult relevantorganisations of persons with disabilities, including landmine victims, during the development
process of the new National Action Plan on Disability.
• By the end of 2025, landmine victims recorded in IMSMA will be referred to relevant
stakeholders to participate in the consultation process at local level.
8. Cooperation and Assistance

The Government of Sri Lanka has provided significant in-kind contributions to its national mine
action program, covering salaries and monthly allowances for Operations and QA Officers.
Additionally, the government has provided office space for the Mine Action Center and logisticalsupport for operations, amounting to approximately USD $300,000 per year.
The Sri Lanka Defence Forces maintain the capability to survey, search for, detect, clear, anddestroy landmines. This capability includes various types of detection equipment, mechanicalclearance assets, disposal experts, and specialized search and clearance teams.
To strengthen national coordination and ensure regular dialogue among stakeholders to discuss
progress, challenges , and identify areas for development in the mine action program, the NMAC,
in collaboration with the GICHD, organized various activities such as workshops, technicalworkgroup discussions, and donor coordination meetings for mine action stakeholders . In 2023,
the NMAC conducted two donor coordination meetings and two completion survey workshops inorder to strengthen the Sri Lanka Mine Action programme.

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