Life style
HALO Trust in action Clearing danger, creating hope
For more than three decades, the HALO Trust (Hazardous Area Life Support) has stood at the forefront of humanitarian demining, saving lives and restoring communities long affected by conflict.
As one of the world’s longest and most experienced landmine clearance organisations. HALO’S work in Sri Lanka has been vital in transforming contaminated land into safe space for families, farmers and children.
In this interview we spoke to senior representatives, Hugh Baker, Programme Manager for the HALO Trust Fund and Farzana Baduel, Chief Executive and Co founder, Curzon PR in London to explore the challenges of clearing explosive remnants of war, the impact of their work on local communities, and the ongoing mission to build safer, more resilient features.From the Northern and Eastern provinces to former front line villages,HALO’s work has enabled displaced families to return home,farmers to cultivate their fields once more,and children to walk to school without fear.
(Q) Can you briefly explain the history of HALO trust and how it began operations in Sri Lanka?
(A) The HALO Trust was established in 1988 when its three founders witnessed the devastation and impact of the hundreds of thousands of landmines left behind by the Soviet military forces as they withdrew from Afghanistan. From those early clearance operations in Afghanistan, The HALO Trust began to expand the scale of its operations to assist other countries dealing with extensive challenges of safely removing and destroying explosive remnants of war (ERW). It now operates across over 30 countries around the world.
The HALO Trust began its operations in Sri Lanka in 2002, starting with the clearance of Jaffna and its surrounding area, before expanding down into Kilinochchi District and then to Mullaitivu. HALO carries out its work in the most heavily affected areas of Sri Lanka.
(Q) What is the organisation’s core mission and how has it evolved over the years?
(A) The mission of The HALO Trust is to protect lives and restore the livelihoods of those affected by conflict. That primary mission has remained constant over the last 40 years. However, it has moved from a focus largely on clearing landmines post conflict to taking action at every stage of conflict to try and reduce the impact. This includes: preventing escalation where possible; addressing the consequences; enabling reconstruction and development, and; building a safer, stable future. With the challenges of the current global situation, our approach has never been more relevant and urgent.
(Q) How has HALO’s work transformed the Northern Province for communities affected by conflict?
(A) In its 23 years of clearance operations in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, HALO has cleared over 300,000 landmines and been able to safely release over 120km2 of land, allowing over 285,000 IDPs and refugees to safely return to their land and restore their homes and livelihoods. It has enabled communities to be re-established. By making the land safe, HALO has enabled opportunities for reconstruction, development and investment. Using locally employed staff who form 99% of HALO’s workforce, HALO has been able to provide jobs and career opportunities, as well as steady incomes in some of the more deprived areas in Sri Lanka.
(Q) HALO employs many local staff including women. How important is this for the communities you serve?
(A) The HALO Trust is one of the largest single employers in the Northern Province, so the employment and career opportunities it offers are very important to many of the communities most heavily affected by the war. 37% of our current total of almost 850 staff are women, the highest of any of the demining organisations in Sri Lanka, and one of the highest for HALO around the world. We have a number of single heads of household, both female and male, in our HALO Sri Lanka team. Employment with HALO not only brings in a regular wage, but it also provides career opportunities, particularly for our female staff, to excel in leadership and management positions. With those increased responsibilities comes an increased salary. From our most recent staff survey, 60 percent of our staff reported that the wages that they have been paid by HALO have enabled them to carry out significant improvements to their existing homes. Another 30 per cent said their income from HALO had enabled them to purchase a house or land on which to build. So,in HALO we see the economic advantages. As we approach completion, we also see the benefits of a well-trained, well-disciplined, dedicated and incredibly industrious workforce for future employers in the region.
(Q) What are the main challenges your teams face when clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance in Sri Lanka?
On a mission to protect lives
Precision, patience and purpose, the teams ensure land is safe for generations to come
(A) Mine clearance in Sri Lanka presents a number of challenges. We operate across an incredible variety of different environments, each posing its own unique challenges. We are clearing islands in Jaffna Bay with minefields laid along the beaches, complex defence fieldworks in the former frontlines of Muhamalai, minelines semi-submerged in lagoons and coastal areas, and extensive minelines running deep inside the jungles and forests of Mullaitivu District. We also have to manage wet and dry seasons of the year that both affect mine clearance activity. In the dry season, some areas are very difficult for mine excavation because they’ve been baked hard by the sun. So we have to use water to soak that ground to make it easier for the deminers, or seek permission to use mechanical assets where possible. During the wet season, some minefields flood, which prevents us from accessing those areas. So we have to plan carefully which tasks we do in the dry season and which tasks we do in the wet season. Other challenges that we face are in some of the forest areas we need to clear – we must negotiate with the Forest Departments for gaining access,particularly permissions if we want to use some of our mini- or micro- mechanical excavators on hard ground which leave a very small environmental footprint but will help us make the landmine excavation process safer, more efficient, and quicker. So ensuring that we can get the necessary permissions from the forest department through the government of Sri Lanka is vital. AU coordination between the government departments is a key factor.
(Q) How do you ensure safety for both your staff and the local population during clearance operations?
(A) To set the context, HALO as an organisation has been operating for the past 36 years, so it has a huge amount of experience with programmes around the world. We are able to share our experiences from here in Sri Lanka too. We have a thorough training and testing regime for all of our operational staff, including regular refresher and specialist training. We also have rigorous assurance, leadership, and supervisory procedures. We are very aware that our staff are operating in potentially hazardous environments to clear mines. Hence we have a full range of protective and mitigation measures, everything from the equipment they wear to ensuring we meet international mine action standards. The standard operating procedures that we use are very refined and are regularly reviewed through the supervisory and quality assurance methods. We also ensure that we have a very high ratio of medically trained personnel in our teams. In every manual demining team, which will have nine staff members, three of those will be qualified with high-level medical training, with one dedicated medic. Additionally, our medically trained staff regularly rehearse our casualty evacuation process.
We carry out active Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) for individuals, families and communities living close to contaminated areas, and also ensure that we have clearly understood markings designating hazardous areas and even will build protective earthworks to enable residents to sremain in their homes if we have to clear an area close to where they are living.
(Q) Beyond clearing land, what programmes or initiatives does HALO run to educate and empower local communities?
(A) As we approach the completion of landmine clearance in Sri Lanka, we are providing a capacity-strengthening programme for all of our national staff to prepare them for
Our priorities are to continue to clear and release land in a safe, efficient and timely manner, in line with the direction and priorities of the National Mine Action Centre. In particular, we must continue to prioritise land for the IDPs still waiting to return, and other areas where the contamination continues to pose a significant threat to those living near it. Ultimately our goal is to achieve completion here by removing the remaining mine threats in Sri Lanka. We hope to have completed all of our remaining clearance tasks in Jaffna and Kilinochchi Districts before the end of 2027, which will allow us to concentrate all of our efforts on clearing the large amount of remaining contamination in Mullaitivu District. The end is in sight – we just need the support of the Government of Sri Lanka and of donors, both international and private, to ensure that we have the necessary funding to complete this critical life-saving work in a timely fashion.
(Q) Introduction about yourself?
(A) I was an officer in the British Army for 30 years. I spent almost SO per cent of my career on operations, including over 10 years in high-threat environments around the world. What I have seen at first hand is the destructive power of conflict Af” what it can do to people, to communities, and to countries. Part of the reason I joined the Armed Forces was to protect people, to keep them safe by dealing with threats. My work here in Sri Lanka is absolutely about that. It is the core mission of The HALO Trust. I very much regard it as the main reason that I chose to join HALO as a second career. It was to protect people. It was to remove the threat of explosive remnants of war and to make it safe for people to live their lives and restore their livelihoods. It is work that, for all the challenges every day and the hard physical and mental work that it demands, particularly for the people on the front line of clearance operations AC” the deminers AC” there is a huge amount of satisfaction in seeing safe land and restored communities.
(Q) How does HALO measure success beyond the number of mines cleared?
(A) HALO has a number of formally agreed Measures of Effectiveness with its donors, to ensure that they are kept up to date with what is being achieved using the funds and equipment that they have so generously provided. While mines and ERW cleared do provide one metric, it is really the area of land released safely and the numbers of women, men and
children who will be able to benefit that provides a positive measure. We have survey teams and community liaison teams that will go out six months after we have finished the clearance of a particular area to engage with beneficiaries and IDPs that have benefited from the return of that land. So we get a clearer picture of the progress of the use of that land. Cleared, safe land is critical to Sri Lanka, and in particular for a number of both government programmes and wider investment opportunities in the Northern Province. Another is tourists are returning to the north now for tourism, and there are increasing opportunities in that sector. We are contributing actively not only to the communities there in terms of agriculture and residential use but also to increasing investment opportunities.
By Zanita Careem ✍️
Bernie Stefan is the Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, overseeing Nestlé’s operations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. He assumed this role in March 2023. Under his leadership, Nestlé has strengthened its footprint in Sri Lanka, touching individuals and families, communities and spearheading sustainable development.
Since taking charge in 2023, Stefan has brought with him over two decades of international experiences, steering the company with a clear focus on sustainability, innovation and long term growth.
Bernie describes the anniversary as a moment of pride and reflection on over a century of commitment to Sri Lanka and its people.
Under his leadership, Nestle has expanded its footprint while staying true to its mission: to improve lives by providing nutrition and wellness for all Sri Lankans. Beyond the commercial success, the company has focused on community impact – supporting local farmers. promoting sustainable practices and contributing to public health initiatives.
(Q) Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan homes for 120 years. How has the brand evolved alongside the changing lifestyles of Sri Lankan families?
(A) We at Nestlé are extremely proud of our 120 year journey of enriching Sri Lankan lives. It has been a journey guided by purpose and working together for good – touching individuals and families, the community, and the planet. As lifestyles and needs have evolved, so, too, have our products – offering convenient, tasty and nutritious solutions that meet everyday moments, whether it’s energy on the go or a quick and tasty meal. A true symbol of this legacy is our flagship brand, Nestomalt – synonymous with power, strength and energy – which today is enjoyed as the first cup of the day by a majority of Sri Lankan households.
(Q) Many Sri Lankans have grown up with Nestlé products at their breakfast table or during tea time. How does the company stay emotionally connected with generations of consumers?
(A) Our product range caters to the nutritional needs of consumers from birth to old age. We always ensure that the consumer is at the centre of everything we do. This deep understanding of consumer preferences, ensures not only that our products deliver taste and nutrition but also our communication is in tune to the local context. Our brands have been deeply rooted in the lives of the Sri Lankan community over many decades – be it through Milo school sports programmes or Nestomalt marathons. Being an organisation that has been present in Sri Lanka for such a long time, it also means that consumers hold many nostalgic memories from their childhood with our products.
(Q) From childhood treats to everyday beverages, Nestlé products often carry nostalgic memories. How important is this sense of nostalgia to the brand’s identity?
(A) Brands need to evolve with time and remain relevant. Nostalgia does bring a deep bond and connect with consumers. However, through product and packaging renovations, we have successfully ensured that our brands remain relevant to consumers. One of our oldest Nestlé brands in Sri Lanka, Milkmaid , today, has an online recipe platform with over 300 recipes. This is another example where we have ensured that our brands are able to connect with today’s consumers.
(Q) Has Nestlé adapted its products to suit modern lifestyles while still respecting local tastes?
(A) Our ability to cater to local taste preferences has been a crucial factor to the success of our brands. With the setting up of our local manufacturing operations in 1984, we now manufacture over 90% of Nestlé products sold locally. The deep consumer understanding our teams possess, combined with our global R&D expertise in the food and beverage sector, have given us the ability to tailor make our products to cater to the Sri Lankan taste palette while offering convenience. This is evident in the success of our Nescafe and Nestea 3-in-1 variants and the Ready-to-drink beverage range of Milo and Nescafe, that deliver convenience and great taste.
(Q) How is Nestlé aligning its practices to sustainability and mindful living?
(A) We are committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Promoting circularity is also a focus area in this journey. We have plans to be 100% plastic neutral this year. Our sustainability initiatives cover the entire value chain, from farm to fork. In Sri Lanka, we are focusing a lot on increasing yield and promoting regenerative agricultural practices across our dairy and coconut value chains. In our manufacturing operations, we have continuously striving towards reducing water and energy usage. We have also implemented numerous initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint in logistics, such as the adoption of rail transportation. We also focus on fostering behavioural change on responsible waste disposal amongst the youth through our School Waste Management Programme.
(Q) What moments or milestones best reflect its connection with everyday life in the country?
(A) Our ability to provide consumers with good food moments each and every day is something that I and the team are extremely passionate about. Also, the deep connect we have with the community, be it our dairy and coconut farmers, the numerous suppliers and trade partners, has been built on trust over the years. Today, we have farmers, suppliers and even employees from across generations and this speaks volumes about our business practices and the trust we have built in Sri Lanka for over a century.
(Q) Nestlé is known globally for innovation. How do you balance global expertise with the unique lifestyle and culinary culture of Sri Lanka?
(A) As I mentioned, understanding the taste palette, nutritional needs and the lifestyles of Sri Lankan consumers and ensuring our products fulfill these needs is key. Having access to one of the world’s leading R&D facilities gives us the unique ability to ensure our products deliver to these consumer needs and preferences. Further, it enhances our ability to ensure the freshness and bio-availability of certain nutrients contained in our products. We’ve also made significant strides in packaging innovation, where we use less plastic and materials that are better suited for recycling. The introduction of Coconut Milk Powder in 1986 was a first for Sri Lanka, and this is another great example of the deep understanding we have of local culinary culture.
(Q) How is the younger generation engaged with the brand today?
(A) Appealing to the discerning youth population will be key to ensuring the future success of our brands. Understanding the nuances of each generation is important. It is also evident that consumption patterns and lifestyles across generations are evolving rapidly. Staying abreast of these changes is something we are deeply committed to. In addition to delivering on taste and nutrition, being trendy and youthful – the purpose for which our brands stand for – is equally important. NESCAFÉ and MAGGI PAPARE BLAST are two brands that have developed a strong connect with Sri Lankan youth.
(Q) What vision do you have for the next chapter in Sri Lanka, especially in shaping lifestyle trends?
(A) Looking ahead, our vision is to continue enriching Sri Lankan lives by providing tasty and nutritious products and promoting healthier and active lifestyles. We will keep innovating to meet evolving consumer needs, while strengthening local sourcing and reducing our environmental impact. The next chapter is about deepening our positive impact – supporting communities, empowering youth and contributing to a resilient food system.
(Q) As the head of Nestlé Sri Lanka, what does celebrating 120 years personally mean to you?
(A) Celebrating 120 years in Sri Lanka is deeply meaningful to us, as it reflects the trust generations of Sri Lankan families have placed in Nestlé. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our people and the strong partnerships we have built across the country. For me personally, it is both a moment of pride and a responsibility – to honour this legacy while continuing to work together for good, doing what is right for our consumers, our communities, and Sri Lanka.
By Zanita Careem
At a time when entertainment often overshadows education on television, K.C. Saranga has rewritten the script—securing a remarkable third consecutive win for Best Educational Programme at the Raigam Tele’es 2025.
His flagship programme, Jeevithayata Vidyawa (Science for Life), aired on Ada Derana, has not only dominated its category but also elevated the standards of educational broadcasting in Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on the milestone, Saranga described the win as more than a personal achievement. “Maintaining an award ceremony of this magnitude for 22 years is no small feat. Raigam Tele’es plays a pivotal role in uplifting the industry. By consistently recognising and rewarding Sri Lankan creators, it provides the necessary oxygen for television to evolve as a professional craft,” he said.
A veteran with over 25 years in the industry, Saranga—currently General Manager (News and Current Affairs) at TV Derana and Head of the Ada Derana News Channel—has seamlessly transitioned from hard news to impactful educational programming. His success underscores a broader vision: to harness television’s full potential as an audio-visual learning tool.
“There is a significant void in Sri Lankan television when it comes to high-quality educational productions,” he noted. “Television is an audio-visual medium; its true power lies in its ability to show, not just tell. We use multimedia elements—graphics, animation, and dynamic presentation—to grip the viewer’s attention.”
Saranga emphasised that his goal was to match global benchmarks. “If world-class science documentaries are available in English, our mission was to bring that same global standard to the Sinhala-speaking audience,” he said.
Through Jeevithayata Vidyawa, complex scientific concepts—from aerodynamics to cyclones—are presented in a manner that is both accessible and engaging, redefining the notion of “edutainment” in local television.
Expressing gratitude, Saranga credited his team and network for the continued success.
“This achievement is a result of a shared vision. My deepest gratitude goes to the management of Ada Derana. In an industry often driven by conventional ratings, they have consistently provided a sanctuary for creative freedom, allowing ‘out-of-the-box’ ideas to flourish,” he said.
He added: “To my incredible production team—this trophy belongs to you. Your technical skill and commitment have transformed simple ideas into a national standard. Finally, thank you to our viewers; your curiosity is our ultimate motivation. We will continue to prove that learning is an inspiring journey.”
Saranga’s hat-trick stands as a testament to the power of innovation in educational broadcasting—proving that knowledge, when presented with creativity and purpose, can captivate audiences just as effectively as mainstream entertainment.
By Ifham Nizam
The event “Style Surge,” organised by the Lions Club Elevate, was an evening filled with glamour, leadership and purpose collided in a spectacular fusion. The grand Ballroom at Galle Face Hotel became a canvas of fashion; every detail, from the floral centrepiece to the curated lighting, whispered elegance, while glamour set the stage, purpose was the back bone.
The show featured a curated selection of Sri Lankan designers, each bringing their signature styles to the stage.
The designers captivated the audience with bold, contemporary silhouettes that fused modern trends with traditional influence, creating pieces that were both sophisticated and wearable.
The batik ensembles by doyen of Batiks, Eric Suriyasena, were masterpieces, demonstrating the designer’s mastery in balancing artistry and practicality. Each piece told a story, highlighting the cultural nuances of Sri Lanka, while contributing to the glamour of the event.
The hair and make up for the models were curated by Salon Avra by Thushari de Silva and was nothing short of perfection,
From sleek, modern looks to elegant textured styles, Salon Avra ensured every model complemented the designer’s vision, highlighting the intricate details of each ensemble. The artistry on stage reflected a seamless collaboration between fashion beauty and presentation.
Style Surge unfolded an evening of elegance, creativity and purpose. It brought together Colombo style conscious crowd, social leaders and fashion enthusiasts and transformed the venue into a vibrant celebration of couture and compassion.
As the lights dimmed,the runaway came alive with a striking showcase of designs, ranging from contemporary chic to timeless sophistication, by designers like Eric Suriyasena, Anushko, Azeena Sulaiman and Jaywanthi Panibharatha. Leading fashion brands showcased were Aluminium, Disala, Eriq and Elegant Closet, and they presented a blend of contemporary and traditional fashion. Jewellery for the show was designed and sponsored by Blue Majestara Ceylon, . The Chief Guest was District Governor Lion Mahesh Borolugoda and his wife Lion Lady Sunethra Borolugoda.
Beyond glamour, this event, Style Surge, carried a meaningful mission to help rennovate two schools and improve educational facilities for future students
Lions Club of Colombo Elevate district 306D6, the organisers of this event, have been long synonymous with community development .The event underscores the power of fashion as a force of good.
Proceeds and awareness generated though the evening will be directed towards the clubs ongoing humanitarian initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to uplifting communities while engaging the public in an inspiring way.
In every sense, the event was more than a fashion show, it was a statement. This event reaffirms that glamour can also carry a purpose, creativity can spark compassion, and a runaway that can become a powerful platform for social change. This fashion show was graced by distinguished guests of honour , including designers Aseka Wijewardena, Michael Wijesuriya, Yolande Aluwihare, and Shyara Mendis
This event was organised by Lion Diana Nilanthi, Shen, Lion Thushari de Silva and Lion Shashika Hettiarachchi, whose commitment to creativity and attention to detail transformed the event into a truly memorable evening. They were the driving force that brought the vision of the show to life. Their meticulous planning, conceptualising the theme, coordinating the designers ensured the show ran seamlessly, from start to finish Pix by Thushara Attapathu
By Zanita Careem
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- Thushari de Silva
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- Kamal Addiarachchi
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- Azeena with a guest
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- Enjoying the Kamal Addiarachchi night of style
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Showers will occur at a few places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya and Mannar districts after 2.00 p.m.
Sun directly overhead Chilaw, Bingiriya, Halmillawewa, Panduwasnuwara, Gokarella, Kawudupelella, Koppaveli and Kirankulam about 12:12 noon. today (09)
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