The Government of Japan has provided a total sum of US$ 604,412 (approx. Rs. 120 million) to Skavita Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Project (SHARP) for humanitarian demining activities in Northern Sri Lanka.
The grant contract was signed on 25th March 2022 at the Ambassador’s Residence in Colombo, between Ambassador of Japan Hideaki Mizukoshi, and Major Gen. (retd) Sumathi Ranjan Balasuriya, Director / Field Reporting Officer of SHARP.
SHARP has cleared more than 1.9 km2 of mine-contaminated land through funds disbursed from Japan’s Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP).
This FY’s project is expected to contribute to the Government’s efforts of ensuring that mine-contaminated areas are safe, enabling resettlement of more than 2,000 displaced people and enhancing their livelihoods directly or indirectly in Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu districts.
Since the beginning of Sri Lanka Mine Action program, the Government of Japan has been continuously supporting mine clearance activities and the total amount of assistance exceeds US$ 41.4 million.
This year, Japan and Sri Lanka mark the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations. Development of the conflict-affected regions is one of the priority areas in Japan’s official development assistance policy to Sri Lanka. The Government of Japan will continue to support the effort for the Government’s goal of achieving a ”Mine-Impact Free Sri Lanka”.