Sri Lanka
Support for Mine Action
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.