Sri Lanka

Support for Mine Action

Last updated: 08 November 2018

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.