Sri Lanka
Support for Mine Action
In 2017, international contributions from four states supporting clearance and risk education activities in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka totaled US$8.5 million, which represents an increase of nearly $4 million (86%) compared to 2016.[1]
The largest contributions came from the United States (US) ($5 million) and Japan ($2.5 million) for clearance and risk education activities.
Sri Lanka has never reported its financial contribution to its mine action program. However, in a speech on the 2012 budget, President Mahinda Rajapaksa indicated that it was substantial, stating that since 2009 the army has been engaged in demining, rebuilding, and urban development at a cost of LKR5.4 billion (approximately US$42 million).[2]
International contributions: 2017[3]
Donor |
Sector |
Amount (national currency) |
Amount (US$) |
US |
Clearance and risk education |
$5,000,000 |
5,000,000 |
Japan |
Clearance |
¥227,957,891 |
2,479,553 |
United Kingdom |
Clearance |
£602,843 |
777,065 |
Canada |
Clearance and risk education |
C$337,513 |
259,945 |
Total |
8,516,563 |
Since 2013, international contributions to mine action in Sri Lanka totaled nearly $37 million, and averaged some $7.4 million per year.
International assistance to mine action has considerably varied in recent years, ranging from a low of $4.6 million in 2016 to a high of $9.8 in 2013.
Summary of contributions: 2013–2017[4]
Year |
Amount (US$) |
% change from previous year |
2017 |
8,516,563 |
+86 |
2016 |
4,583,251 |
-18 |
2015 |
5,614,583 |
-34 |
2014 |
8,449,142 |
-19 |
2013 |
9,814,785 |
-21 |
Total |
36,978,324 |
[1] Canada, Mine Ban Treaty Article 7 Report, Form J, 1 May 2018; Japan, Convention on Cluster Munitions Article 7 Report, Form I, 30 April 2018; United Kingdom, Convention on Cluster Munitions Article 7 Report, Form J, 30 April 2018; and emails from Katherine Baker, Foreign Affairs Officer, Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State, 9 and 24 October 2018.
[2] Ministry of Economic Development, “2012 Budget 100 Proposals for Development His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa presented the 2012 budget proposals to the parliament,” undated. Average exchange rate for 2012: LKR127.231=US$1, Oanda.com, Historical Exchange Rates.
[3] Average exchange rate for 2017: C$1.2984=US$1; ¥112.1=US$1; £1=US$1.2890. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 11 January 2018.
[4] See previous Monitor reports. Total for international support in 2013 has been rectified as a result of revised international funding data.