Sri Lanka, Aug. 11 -- Around ninety percent of the areas previously identified as mine-contaminated have now been cleared successfully.

Government officials said the remaining 20.8 square kilometres comprise particularly difficult and challenging terrain.

The Government expects Sri Lanka to be declared completely free of landmines in the next four years.

Meanwhile, award-winning Hollywood actress and international ambassador for mine clearance, Rosamund Pike, praised Sri Lanka's mine-clearing programme as highly successful.

She said this at a meeting with Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe in Battaramulla yesterday (10).

During the meeting, Pike expressed her appreciation for the ongoing mine-cleara...