In the vibrant landscape of northern Sri Lanka, an inspiring achievement has emerged from the efforts of The HALO Trust, a dedicated organization committed to healing the scars of conflict. They have joyfully announced the remarkable milestone of safely clearing their 300,000th landmine, a significant step towards restoring safety and hope in an area often overlooked by the millions of visitors who explore this beautiful island each year.

This incredible feat has taken place over a vast area that is one-third larger than Manhattan, allowing over a quarter of a million people to return to their homes and reconnect with their land. The journey of landmine removal has truly transformed lives, bringing a renewed sense of community and belonging to those affected by the remnants of war.

For over 30 years, Sri Lanka faced the challenges of civil strife, with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil engaging in conflict with the central government. Following the end of this long struggle in 2009, The HALO Trust sprang into action, working diligently to make the land safe again by removing unexploded ordnance from regions where families once thrived.

Over the years, the organization focused on districts such as Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, and Vavuniya, carefully disarming or detonating mines and ordnance that posed a threat to the local population. The dedication of the HALO team culminated in a joyous announcement on June 18th, when they confirmed that 300,000 mines had been cleared, restoring 120 square kilometers of land for safe use.

"Thanks to HALO, over 280,000 former internally displaced persons have now returned safely to their homes, and much of the land is clear," the organization proudly shared. This achievement not only symbolizes progress but also reflects the resilience of communities reclaiming their lives.

As HALO continues its vital work, they are focused on clearing remaining contaminated areas to fully open up the pristine northern region of the island to tourists, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka's economy, which is projected to benefit from over $3 billion in tourism revenue in 2024.

Vithoozen Antony, Operations Manager for HALO Sri Lanka, expressed his pride in the organization's progress, stating, “These minefields were laid when I was still in primary school. I remember hearing about them in the newspapers. Today, I’m proud to be part of the team leading their clearance. Reaching the milestone of 300,000 landmines removed is not just a number; it represents lives saved and land returned to communities.”

The HALO Trust stands as the world’s largest organization for landmine clearance, and their mission continues globally. Recently, they also celebrated the clearance of 550,000 mines and unexploded bombs in Cambodia since 1991, showcasing their unwavering commitment to creating safer environments for communities around the world.

This remarkable work is a testament to the power of compassion and perseverance in transforming lives and rebuilding communities in Sri Lanka and beyond.