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GRACE Mine Action Project
Gender Responsive Advancement and Operational Enhancement of Women Deminers in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka (GRACE)
The Gender Responsive Advancement and Operational Enhancement of Women Deminers in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka (GRACE) Project is funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC). The project commenced in March 2026 and will conclude in March 2027.
Sri Lanka continues to face landmine and unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination in its Northern and Eastern Provinces, a legacy of nearly three decades of civil conflict. Furthermore, women in Sri Lanka make up one of the highest proportions of the demining workforce globally and play a critical role in sustaining mine action operations. However, they may face structural and operational challenges, including demanding field conditions, limited access to gender-responsive equipment, and constraints to technical advancement. The GRACE Project therefore seeks to strengthen the safety, efficiency and inclusivity of mine action operations by creating safer and more enabling working environments for women deminers.
Key interventions include the introduction of advanced demining technologies, including demining robots, advanced dual-sensor mine detectors and a micro excavator, alongside the provision of gender-responsive personal protective equipment (PPE) and mobile sanitary facilities. The project also supports non-technical surveys and Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) for affected communities.
Through these interventions, the project contributes to strengthening national mine action capacity, sustaining clearance operations, protecting livelihoods and community safety, and advancing Sri Lanka’s progress towards a mine-free future and the fulfilment of its obligations under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.
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All complaints will be treated confidentially and addressed in fair and timely manner. You will be informed of the outcome.
United Nations Development Programme Dr. Priyan Senevirathna | National Mine Action Centre Mr. Mahinda Wickramasinghe |
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