From Sri Lanka’s Minefields to Canada’s Advocacy: A Journey of Purpose in Humanitarian Mine Action

In January 2022, I embarked on a new chapter in my professional journey- one that would shape not only my career but also my sense of purpose. I joined the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) Sri Lanka as a Junior Program Officer, stepping into a field where lives are quietly transformed, one cleared path at a time. Armed with a Bachelor’s in International Relations and a Master’s in Human Rights from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, I was eager to put my academic foundation into meaningful practice. What I didn’t realize at the time was just how profoundly the humanitarian mine action sector would become part of who I am.

Sri Lanka’s history with landmines is long and tragic. Decades of civil conflict left vast areas of the country contaminated with explosive remnants of war. Even years after the guns went silent, these hidden dangers continue to endanger rural communities, denying them access to farmland, roads, and a sense of safety. Joining MAG meant becoming part of a mission that wasn’t just technical-it was deeply human.

In my initial role in the Program Department, I focused on report writing, proposal development, success story collection, and stakeholder engagement. Each report I compiled was more than just data-it was a reflection of human resilience. Each proposal I helped draft was a plea for renewed support to continue life-saving work. I found special meaning in writing success stories for funders: not just documenting progress, but lifting up the voices of individuals and families whose lives had changed because a landmine was removed from their backyard, or because a child could safely walk to school again.

I took pride in maintaining relationships with local stakeholders, reviewing their reports, and ensuring we represented field realities accurately and with empathy. This wasn’t just project coordination- it was bridging the gap between communities, funders, and field teams. I came to realize how powerful communication could be in driving change- when the story is told truthfully, funding follows, and so does impact.

In 2023, I had the unique opportunity to travel to Vietnam for a one-week training with MAG’s office there. The focus was on reporting, proposal writing, and communication strategy. That experience widened my lens and connected me to a global network of professionals equally committed to humanitarian disarmament. I returned to Sri Lanka more confident, more capable, and more committed. Shortly after, I was promoted to Program Officer.

With the new role came deeper responsibilities. I began visiting landmine-cleared areas to gather first-hand success stories, engaging directly with affected communities, listening to their fears, hopes, and hard-won progress. These visits were deeply moving and strengthened my commitment to the cause. I wasn’t just behind a desk anymore -I was in the field, seeing the real impact of our work.

One of the most fulfilling parts of my job was working with MAG’s staff transition unit, developing curriculum and activities for community participants-particularly those impacted by the conflict or transitioning from military to civilian life. I learned how to translate technical goals into human-focused programming. I was also trained as a Mental Health First Aider, and many staff members came to me for emotional support. The trust they placed in me made me realize the importance of mental well-being in humanitarian work. This emotional aspect of the job often goes unnoticed, but it’s critical. People working in dangerous environments need safe spaces too.

Occasionally, I accompanied international donors during field visits. Watching them engage with local communities and seeing their reactions to the stories I helped gather reminded me why transparency and authentic storytelling matter. Donors often made decisions based not just on numbers, but on the lived experiences shared during these visits.

In May 2024, I made the difficult decision to resign from MAG Sri Lanka. My time there had been transformative, but life was leading me elsewhere. In June 2024, I relocated to Canada, carrying with me not only memories, but a deep-seated commitment to mine action. Though I had left the job, I hadn’t left the cause.

Shortly after arriving in Canada, I began volunteering with Mine Action Canada-eager to continue contributing, even in a different context. Now, I support the organization’s social media awareness efforts, developing posts that explain the five pillars of mine action (clearance, risk education, stockpile destruction, victim assistance, and advocacy), highlight country profiles, and promote global mine action efforts. Each post is an opportunity to raise awareness, to educate, and to advocate for a safer world.

It’s a different kind of impact-less immediate than landmine clearance, perhaps-but no less important. In a country like Canada, where the dangers of landmines may feel distant, my goal is to bridge that emotional and informational gap. Through storytelling, data, and global profiles, I help connect Canadians to the realities faced by communities in Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Iraq, Colombia, and beyond.

Working in mine action has taught me that peace is not just the absence of war-it’s the presence of safety, dignity, and opportunity. Whether in Sri Lanka’s former conflict zones or in Canada’s advocacy spaces, the mission remains the same: to ensure no one lives in fear of what lies beneath their feet.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the journey-from my first proposal draft at MAG to my latest volunteer post with Mine Action Canada. But more than anything, I’m motivated for what’s ahead. Work is far from over, and I’m proud to still be part of this global movement for safety, healing, and peace!

- Chathurika Atalugamage, Volunteer with Mines Action Canada