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Task Commander, Thilay
The HALO Trust, the world’s largest humanitarian landmine clearance organization, has appointed Rishini Weeraratne as its Ambassador for Sri Lanka. Rishini currently serves as Editor, The Sun (Daily Mirror), Editor, HI!! Online, and Head of Social Media at Wijeya Newspapers Limited. In her new role, she will support HALO’s global mission by raising awareness of mine action, strengthening advocacy efforts, and championing initiatives to protect communities impacted by landmines and unexploded ordnance, particularly in Sri Lanka. She will also play a key role in HALO’s international engagement and communications initiatives.
HALO began working in Afghanistan in 1988. Today HALO operates in more than 30 countries and territories across Africa, Asia, Europe and Caucasus, Latin America, and the Middle East. Its teams work daily to clear landmines, deliver risk education and restore land for agriculture, homes and infrastructure. HALO gained international recognition after Diana, Princess of Wales, visited its work in Angola in 1997 which helped accelerate support for the Mine Ban Treaty. Sri Lanka is one of HALO’s longest standing programmes. HALO has been operational in the island since 2002 and has cleared more than 300,000 mines and over one million explosive remnants of war, enabling thousands of families to return home safely. HALO is the second largest employer in the Northern Province, and its workforce is 99 percent locally recruited. Women make up 42 percent of the demining teams, reflecting HALO’s commitment to local empowerment and employment in post conflict communities.
Rishini Weeraratne, Ambassador for Sri Lanka, The HALO Trust:
“It is a privilege to support The HALO Trust’s mission. Although Sri Lanka is my home country and close to my heart, I am also committed to advocating for HALO’s work around the world. Millions of people live with the daily risk of landmines and unexploded ordnance. By raising awareness and amplifying the voices of affected communities, I hope to contribute to a safer future for families everywhere.”
James Cowan, CEO, The HALO Trust:
“We are honoured to welcome Ambassador Rishini Weeraratne as The HALO Trust’s Ambassador for Sri Lanka. Her deep understanding of Sri Lanka’s history, her commitment to peace and development, and her respected international voice will be invaluable as HALO continues its work to make communities safe from the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war. We look forward to working closely with Ambassador Weeraratne to advance our mission and support a safer future for all Sri Lankans.”
Rishini Weeraratne
Rishini has been recognised nationally for her leadership in media. She received the Top50 Professional and Career Women’s Global Award in 2023 for Leadership in Digital Media in Sri Lanka, presented by Women in Management with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group and Australia Aid. In 2025 she was honoured with the Sri Lanka Vanitha-Abhimana Award, and the Legendary Woman Award for her pioneering contributions to digital media. In December 2025, she also received the Media Personality of the Year award at the Golden Business Awards 2025. She also serves as Sri Lanka Ambassador for the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in the United Kingdom. Her appointment reflects HALO’s commitment to building global awareness of mine action and highlighting the long-term impact of humanitarian demining on safety, recovery and development.
The HALO Trust
The HALO Trust is the world’s largest humanitarian landmine clearance organisation. Established in 1988, it protects lives and livelihoods by clearing landmines, unexploded ordnance and other remnants of war and by delivering risk education to affected communities. HALO operates in more than 30 countries and territories including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Syria, Angola, Cambodia and Sri Lanka.
Mulhamalai Mech Clearance
Princess Diana walks through minefields in Angola
