Sri Lanka

Support for Mine Action

Last updated: 03 November 2015

In 2014, international contributions from three states supporting clearance and risk education activities in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka totaled US$8,449,142, which represents a decrease of almost $2 million (19%) compared to 2013.[1]

The United States (US) has been a major donor in Sri Lanka, with more than $43 million contributed since 1993. In October 2015, the US announced an additional $1.7 million contribution for demining activities in Sri Lanka.[2]

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).[3]

International contributions: 2014[4]

Donor

Sector

Amount (national currency)

Amount ($)

US

Clearance

$4,625,000

4,625,000

United Kingdom

Clearance and risk education

£1,551,446

2,557,404

Japan

Clearance

¥133,944,876

1,266,738

Total

 

 

8,449,142

 

While international support for mine action in Sri Lanka averaged $25 million per year in 2009–2011, it has considerably declined over the past years, dropping from $26.3 million in 2010 to just $8.4 million in 2014 (a 68% decrease).

Summary of contributions: 2010–2014[5]

Year

Amount ($)

% change from previous year

2014

8,449,142

-19

2013

10,372,587

-17

2012

12,490,824

-49

2011

24,621,635

-6

2010

26,313,012

6

Total

81,887,200

N/A

Note: N/A=not applicable

 


[1] Japan Convention on Cluster Munitions Article 7 Report, Form I, 30 April 2015; response to Monitor questionnaire by Laura Callaghan-Pace, Policy Analyst, UK Department for International Development, 1 May 2015; and and US Department of State, “To Walk the Earth in Safety – 2015,” 2 November 2015.

[2] US Embassy in Sri Lanka and Maldives, “U.S. Announces Increased Funding for Demining in Sri Lanka,” Press Release, 8 October 2015.

[3] 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, www.oanda.com.

[4] Average exchange rate for 2014: ¥105.74=US$1; £1=US$1.6484. US Federal Reserve, “List of Exchange Rates (Annual),” 2 January 2015.

[5] See previous Monitor reports.