Hollywood actress Rosamund Pike praises Sri Lanka’s Mine Clearance programme

Award-winning Hollywood actress and international landmine clearance ambassador Rosamund Pike has praised the progress of Sri Lanka’s demining programme, describing it as highly successful.

Pike made the remarks during a meeting with Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe on August 10, where she discussed the progress of mine clearance operations in the country.

Officials said around 90% of areas previously identified as contaminated with landmines have now been successfully cleared.

Around 20.8 square kilometres of land remains to be cleared, mainly in difficult and complex terrain, with Sri Lanka aiming to be declared completely mine-free within the next four years.

Authorities plan to deploy 500 specially trained Sri Lanka Army personnel for demining operations, with the Army targeting the clearance of around 1.5 square kilometres annually, in addition to work carried out by other organisations.

The government has also doubled its financial allocation for demining compared with the previous year.

During the meeting, Pike expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka’s progress and the implementation of mine clearance operations in line with international standards.

Officials said the programme is also expected to support development in the North and East, promote tourism and contribute towards building trust among communities.