Mr. President
Distinguished Delegates
Sri Lanka extends its warm congratulations to Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta, Permanent Representative of the Philippines for assuming the Presidency of the Thirteenth Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. My delegation assures you Sri Lanka’s fullest support in achieving a productive and meaningful outcome of this meeting.
Mr. President,
Sri Lanka remains convinced that this Convention represents a significant achievement in international humanitarian law as well as in the global disarmament landscape due to its comprehensive approach in mitigating the humanitarian impact of cluster munitions in all aspects. Our presence here today reaffirms our enduring commitment towards a world free from the devastating impact of cluster munitions. We recall that the Convention on Cluster Munitions has protected countless civilian lives from indiscriminate and widespread harm caused by cluster munitions, since its entry into force.
Today, we are convened here for the 13th Meeting of States Parties (13MSP) with clear expectation that our discussions will lead towards strengthening the implementation of the Convention and its universalization. It is vital to advance victim assistance, accelerate stockpile destruction, clearance and destruction of cluster munition remnants in affected areas, promote risk reduction education, especially among the youth, and enhance international cooperation and assistance. We must collectively identify and address the challenges in addressing these objectives. In addition, we believe that the 13MSP will set the stage for a more comprehensive review of the monitoring progress in implementing the Lausanne Action Plan with a view to prepare for the Third Review Conference of the Convention, which is scheduled for 2026, in Lao PDR and we congratulate Lao PDR for assuming the Presidency of the Third Review Conference.
Mr. President,
Cluster munitions, by their very design, are inherently indiscriminate. They disperse dozens or even hundreds of submunitions over a wide area.
This makes it impossible to distinguish between a military target and a nearby civilian population and hence one of the most fundamental principles of International Humanitarian Law (IHL); the principle of distinction, is violated. Further, their spread in a wide-area and high failure rate, cause disproportionate harm to civilians while violating the principle of ‘proportionality’ in IHL. Therefore, this Convention’s legally binding provisions to prohibit use, stockpiling, production and transfer of cluster munitions, is a vital step in upholding IHL.
Cluster munitions pose a significant threat, causing civilian casualties both during and after conflicts. The unexploded remnants remain on the ground as dangerous ordnance, capable of harming civilians; especially children, women, and farmers in their fields as well as damaging civilian infrastructure, even decades after ending conflict.
To eliminate the humanitarian impact and suffering caused by cluster munitions, the Convention on Cluster Munitions also mandates the destruction of stockpiles and the clearance of contaminated areas, in addition to prohibiting their use, production, and transfer. This safeguards civilian lives and prevents further suffering in post-conflict situations.
With a view to addressing these humanitarian impacts universally, we urge all States which are not party to the Convention to accede to this important humanitarian disarmament Convention and join the global disarmament community in condemning the use of cluster munitions which have devastating impact. We welcome the accession of Vanuatu as the 112th State Party to the Convention.
While noting that a large number of victims of cluster munition attacks are civilians, Sri Lanka also emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to support affected communities and survivors and strengthening international cooperation and assistance in achieving the Convention's goals.
As a country that has never used, produced, or stockpiled cluster munitions, and fulfilled its obligations under Article 1 of the Convention, Sri Lanka reaffirms its unwavering commitment to realizing the core objectives of the Convention.
President,
We also take this opportunity to appreciate the tremendous work and commitment being carried out by Director and the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Convention in assisting the implementation efforts and monitoring of the humanitarian obligations under the Convention.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka reiterates its commitment to working constructively with all States Parties to achieve our shared vision of a world free from cluster munitions.
I Thank you.
Measures on International Cooperation and Assistance (ICA), 12 August 2025
Mr Chair,
As this the first time that my delegation is taking the floor, Sri Lanka joins others in expressing sincere gratitude to you, Mr. Chair, for your leadership of this Working Group on strengthening the BWC, one of the cornerstones of the global disarmament architecture. Please be assured of the fullest support and cooperation of Sri Lanka for the success of the deliberations at this session.
I also take this opportunity to thank the Friends of Chair groups, members of the ISU for their comprehensive work carried out so far in an inclusive approach.
Sri Lanka welcomes the rolling text and recognizes the value of its proposals while being mindful of the related financial implications.
Article X of the BWC is crucial for the Convention's implementation because it promotes international cooperation and the peaceful use of biological science. The peaceful use of biological science and technology holds immense potential for human advancement, from disease prevention to food security.
With regard to the Section A of the rolling text, we recognize that the promoting bio-security education and capacity building is critical for all States, particularly for developing and least developed countries which are yet to acquire the necessary resources, technologies, equipment, knowledge and capacities to face bio-security risks and global health challenges.
Therefore, improving the proposed measures and synchronizing their implementation together with ICA mechanism in a pragmatic way while understanding the specific needs for developing countries and ensuring equal access to developing and least developed countries will be vital in strengthening the Convention and its effective and universal implementation.
Towards this end, it is also important to identify complementarities and synergies of the activities by other relevant international and regional organizations with focus on bio-safety and bio-security for necessary collaboration while being mindful of avoiding duplication of the initiatives.
We wish to continue our engagement in discussing the relevant sections of the rolling text.
Thank you.
Measures on Compliance and Verification, 18 August 2025
Mr. Chair
My delegation wishes to thank you for presenting the proposed text on ‘Measures on Compliance and Verification’ under section D of the rolling text.
Sri Lanka supports negotiating a legally binding verification mechanism.
Absence of a robust verification mechanism, could lead to disparities in national compliance practices and national implementation process.
Sri Lanka also emphasizes that the verification mechanism should be applied to all States without any discrimination.
Therefore, Sri Lanka underlines the urgency and importance of negotiating a legally binding verification regime.
Sri Lanka is annually submitting its Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) and values the Transparency and Confidence Building Measures, which could be complementary to the future verification mechanism. However, Sri Lanka emphasizes that the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) should not substitute a robust legally binding verification mechanism under the BWC.
Thank you
Measures on National Implementation of the Convention, 20 August 2025
Mr. Chair,
First of all, my delegation would like to thank you for presenting the proposed measures for national implementation under section E of the rolling text and also to the Friends of Chair for their comprehensive work.
Sri Lanka also wishes to thank the ISU for all the efforts in encouraging and facilitating national implementation through workshops for national focal points, training, sponsorships, technical assistance, and creating e-CBM Platform etc.
Mr. Chair,
National implementation remains a cornerstone of the Convention in its real-world operation across different continents. Biological agents and toxins have no boundaries, and they affect all countries regardless of their capacities to respond. Therefore, Sri Lanka perceives national implementation as a priority, particularly for developing countries which are vulnerable to biological threats, accidents, risks and global health challenges. Translating the BWC commitments into effective domestic laws and regulations in developing and least developed countries directly strengthens their public health systems, and their preparedness to respond to public health emergencies.
While noting that the BWC has near-universal adherence and most member states are from the Global South, facilitating developing and least developed countries for robust national implementation warrants more attention and assistance through the work of this Convention according to its mandate.
In this direction, my delegation believes that para 32 to 36 should capture the exact obligation under Article IV of the Convention “to take necessary measures to prohibit and prevent the development, production, stockpiling, acquisition or retention of the agents, toxins, weapons, equipment” as specified in the Article IV. Further it is important to capture the obligation under Article X to correctly reflect the broader aspects of peaceful uses of biological agents and toxins and international cooperation and assistance.
My delegation supports the establishment of national focal points in para 33 which is currently in effect and also the providing necessary resources to ISU to support national implementation efforts in para 36.
Mr. Chair,
National implementation is a primary way that developing countries can uphold their commitments under the BWC. However, the developing and least developed countries are facing significant challenges in national implementation due to limited resources and lack of technical expertise.
In the current context, digitalization, collecting data, establishment of efficient laboratory networks, storage of data, linking with different national authorities and establishing legal frameworks are important and remain as challenges to most of the developing states. Therefore, supporting the national implementation of the BWC by the ISU mentioned in para 36 should also capture diversified and concrete methods to assist States while understanding the challenges of the developing countries.
Let me also highlight a few ongoing initiatives by Sri Lanka in its national implementation to understand the importance of collaboration between developed and developing countries as well as with the ISU.
The National Inventory of Dangerous Pathogens (NIDP) which is a key step of national implementation in Sri Lanka was developed in 2022 with the technical and consultancy support extended by UNODA and the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) of the Netherlands and with financial support of the European Union (EU). Plans are underway to expand the National Inventory of Dangerous Pathogens (NIDP) into laboratories across all sectors and across the island.
As part of strengthening the domestic legal framework, the National Policy on Biosafety and Biosecurity has been finalized and awaiting approval by the Cabinet of Ministers. The Disaster Preparedness and Response Unit of the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka has also proposed to establish a National Secretariat for BWC in the future.
Mr. Chair,
It is obvious that Cooperation and Assistance with the UN and other International Organizations and Member States significantly enhance the process of national implementation of the BWC, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, we encourage strengthening networks and partnerships with developing and least developed countries to realize the objectives of the Convention at regional levels which could ultimately contribute to the universal implementation of the Convention.
My delegation also believes that establishment of the International Cooperation and Assistance (ICA) mechanism and Science and Technology (S & T) Review Mechanism are vital to strengthen national implementation efforts under the Convention.
Thank you.
Measures on Science and Technological development related to the Convention,21 August 2025
Mr. Chair
Sri Lanka wishes to share a few general comments on the measures on science and technological development related to the Convention based on the text that you have shared with us today.
- Sri Lanka supports the fact that the members of the Science and Technology Reporting Committee are serving in their individual capacity and the Committee considers gender and geographical balance. We believe that the Committee should operate in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner in a balanced approach. It is also important to ensure the sustainability of the operation of the Committee.
- In this direction, necessary flexibility may be required in striking the balance between numbers against balancing several criteria like geographical distribution, gender, level of expertise and qualification etc.
- Sri Lanka believes that a clear pre-defined selection criteria for experts is required to avoid any conflict of interest and the experts should be free from influence of the nominating government.
- As my delegation also highlighted before, Sri Lanka is of the view that the voice of the developing countries needs to be heard adequately by the Committee even if these countries are not in a position to nominate experts in the relevant fields.
- Given the rapid development in science and technology, we perceive the importance of nominating experts from diversified fields in a multidisciplinary approach.
Thank you
Statement by Sri Lanka
Second session of the open-ended working group on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects, 21-25 July 2025, Palais des Nations, Geneva
Item 5 – General Exchange of Views
Mr. Chair
Sri Lanka also joins other delegations in appreciating your leadership as the Chair of this Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG). I extend Sri Lanka´s fullest support and cooperation for the success of the deliberations of the Working Group.
Sri Lanka appreciates your leadership during the first session of the OEWG as well as during the informal consultations and guidance to the second session.
Mr. Chair,
The discussions on prevention of an arms race in outer space are not new to us. We have been discussing the related issues over decades. Therefore, rather than starting from scratch, the OEWG can leverage from where we are, while building on existing discussions and efforts in multilateral fora.
We believe that this working group provides an opportunity for Member States to advance discussions on both legally binding and non-legally binding measures in outer space disarmament under a single framework.
Sri Lanka has been engaging for decades on the matters of prevention of an arms race in outer space, and has been advocating for a legally binding instrument. We also wish to underline the vital importance of verification mechanisms as an integral part of a legally binding instrument. While understanding the current dynamics in space faring activities by States, we believe that this fundamental goal has to be achieved in a balanced and inclusive approach under a comprehensive framework, which recognizes the concerns of all States, and works on the basis of consensus.
The UNGA resolution 79/19 titled ‘prevention of an arms race in outer space’ which is annually presented by Sri Lanka together with Egypt emphasizes “the paramount importance of strict compliance with existing arms limitation and disarmament agreements relevant to outer space, including bilateral agreements, and with the existing legal regime concerning the use of outer space”
The resolution also emphasizes “the necessity of further measures with appropriate and effective provisions for verification to prevent an arms race in outer space” while referring to the important work carried out so far in multilateral fora on outer space disarmament.
From the point where we are today, we all need to strive to agree on a pragmatic way forward to achieve our common goals in outer space disarmament in all aspects.
Sri Lanka also takes this opportunity to underscore that weaponizing of outer space would disproportionately affect all states. We urge this Working Group therefore to adequately listen to the voice of the developing countries that rely on peaceful uses of outer space and space-based assets, particularly satellite technology for communication, disaster management, and climate impact monitoring and resilience. Sri Lanka encourages regional consultations and dialogues particularly among the non-spacefaring states with a view to ensure inclusivity.
Mr. Chair,
It is the responsibility of all States to ensure that outer space remains a shared heritage of humankind, free from conflict and accessible to all nations for peaceful purposes.
While reiterating Sri Lanka’s support to your efforts to bring us on to a pragmatic direction, we believe that a balanced, inclusive and consensus-based approach that considers the concerns of all states will be useful in achieving our common goals.
Thank you
Distinguished Colleagues, Members of the Committee on Victim Assistance, Representatives of States Parties, and Partners,
On behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), I am honored to share our progress in strengthening national frameworks for victim assistance, in alignment with Actions 30 through 36 of the Siem Reap–Angkor Action Plan (SRAAP) 2025–2029.
1.Strengthening National Coordination and Ownership (Action 30)
Sri Lanka continues to demonstrate its national commitment to integrating victim assistance into broader institutional frameworks. The National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) serves as the officially designated focal point for victim assistance, recognized by all relevant ministries and stakeholders.
To ensure sustained coordination and national ownership, an inter-ministerial and multi-sectoral mechanism is in place, involving the Ministries of Health, Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, and the Department of Social Services. These institutions work in collaboration with development partners, civil society, and victim networks.
A revised National Disability Action Plan, currently under development, is being aligned with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and explicitly includes mine and other explosive ordnance (EO) victims. This plan is expected to set specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) objectives and ensure gender, age, and disability inclusivity.
2. Legislative Advancements
The Government of Sri Lanka is taking significant legislative steps to strengthen the rights framework for victims. A new Disability Rights Bill, aimed at replacing the outdated Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act No. 28 of 1996, is currently being processed. This bill incorporates standards set forth by the UNCRPD and has been endorsed under Cabinet Decision Memorandum No. 25/0097/818/010 dated 4th February 2025. The process is being led by the Ministry of Justice, in consultation with the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment.
3. Inclusive Implementation and Data Management (Actions 31, 32)
The Ministry of Health has integrated landmine victims into the National Injury Surveillance Database, improving institutional victim data management beyond the mine action sector. This supports ongoing efforts to maintain a centralized national database, disaggregated by gender, age, and disability, in accordance with national data protection measures.
Sri Lanka also conducted a Victim Assistance Needs Assessment Survey in 2024/2025, covering 20% of IMSMA-recorded victims since 2010. The assessment was carried out using Survey123 field data collection tools, ensuring the capture of disaggregated data on the needs, challenges, and geographic locations of mine and other explosive ordnance victims by gender, age, and disability status. This data was processed and verified through the IMSMA Core system workflow developed by GICHD, which established a structured and reliable dataset on mine and other explosive ordnance victims. In the next phase, this verified dataset will be integrated into a national centralized database, such as disability data systems, in accordance with relevant national data protection regulations, to ensure a comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable response. A preliminary report based on this survey is expected to be published shortly with government consent. The findings from this survey will directly inform the updated national action plan for victim assistance and contribute to Sri Lanka’s Article 7 reporting in 2025. Awareness was created and actions are in progress to conduct scientific research on Victim Assistance.
4. Access to Services and Referral Mechanisms (Actions 33–35)
The Ministry of Health and the Department of Social Services have taken leading roles in ensuring that mine and EO victims have access to healthcare, psychosocial support, and social well-being services, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
In 2024, National Guidelines for Rehabilitation Services in Sri Lanka was published that include rehabilitative services for mine/EO survivors. Sri Lanka is also working toward the establishment of a formal referral mechanism, including a national directory of services accessible to all survivors.
Over 80% of surveyed victims report having received some form of assistance—whether through the national “Aswesuma” welfare program, disability allowances, or other schemes. However, gaps remain in livelihood support, particularly for persons with disabilities and their families. Outreach and rehabilitation services are being gradually expanded with a focus on innovative and mobile services to reach remote areas.
5. Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (Action 36)
Sri Lanka recognizes the importance of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). The Ministry of Health is scaling up efforts to improve access to MHPSS services through capacity-building initiatives for health professionals and community-level responders. Further to the Specialist psychiatrist services, Ministry of Health has appointed Medical Officers of Mental Health at both curative and preventive settings to enhance mental and psychological wellbeing of the community. Peer-to-peer support networks are being encouraged and facilitated in areas most affected by mine contamination.
6. Challenges and Support Needs
Despite these advances, challenges persist, particularly in resource mobilization, inter-agency coordination, and data harmonization across frameworks such as the APMBC, CRPD, and SDGs.
Sri Lanka therefore seeks continued international support to:
• Expand inclusive livelihood programmes
• Improve monitoring and evaluation systems
• Build capacity in victim case management
• Finalize the full national victim survey
7. Way Forward
Sri Lanka remains committed to launching an inclusive, data-driven national action plan for victim assistance that fully integrates with national systems. As a current member of the Committee on Victim Assistance (2025–2026), Sri Lanka will continue to advocate for survivor-led approaches and good practices aligned with the Siem Reap–Angkor Action Plan.
We thank the Committee, ISU, GICHD, and all partners for their unwavering support. Together, we can transform our vision of sustainable and inclusive victim assistance into reality.
Thank you.
Opening and National Commitment
On behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka and the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC), I am pleased to provide an update on Sri Lanka’s progress and challenges in fulfilling its obligations under Article 5 of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC).
Sri Lanka acceded to the APMBC in June 2018, committing to fulfil its Article 5 obligations by 1 June 2028. To guide this process, the Government launched the National Mine Action Completion Strategy 2023–2027, developed in close consultation with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and all national and international stakeholders. The strategy reflects international good practices and is designed to steer Sri Lanka toward timely, transparent, and sustainable completion.
Article 5 Implementation: Progress, Achievements, and Challenges
To operationalize the strategy, a nationwide Completion Survey was launched in mid-2023, covering all districts of the Northern and Eastern Provinces and adjoining areas. The survey has systematically assessed approximately 1,400 Grama Niladhari divisions, which are our smallest administrative boundaries.
As of June 2025, 59% of the surveyed divisions have been declared mine- and EO-free, while the remainder are undergoing follow-up visits and technical verification. During this ongoing process, Sri Lanka has identified approximately 8 square kilometres of previously unknown contamination, reinforcing the need for continuous survey and verification.
To date, 13.5 square kilometers have been released through clearance, technical survey, and cancellation since 2023, directly benefiting affected communities. These efforts have supported access to land for agriculture, housing, infrastructure development, and essential services. The IMSMA Core system, developed by GICHD, has played a central role in real-time data tracking and informed decision-making.
Overall, since 2010, Sri Lanka has released more than 254 square kilometers of confirmed hazardous areas, contributing to a total land release of 1,297 square kilometers, enabling the safe return of over 900,000 internally displaced persons and supporting the restoration of public services and economic recovery in post-conflict regions. During survey and clearance operations, Sri Lanka has found and safely destroyed a total of:
• 928,187 anti-personnel (AP) mines
• 2,256 anti-tank (AT) mines
• 380,096 items of unexploded ordnance (UXO)
Despite this progress, several challenges persist. Newly reported contamination continues to emerge, and funding shortfalls are significantly impacting the overall scale and pace of operations. As of April 2025, the programme is functioning with only 45% of the 2024 funding level, which has limited the capacity of key implementing partners—DASH, SHARP, HALO Trust, and MAG—to maintain or expand their field operations as planned. The Sri Lanka Army also contributes as a national mine action operator, with recognized capacity for clearance and survey activities. However, their operations are also constrained, as the Government of Sri Lanka supports their mine action role with only limited national funding. These combined constraints continue to pose a major challenge to meeting Article 5 obligations within the set timeframe.
Without at least a 30% increase in funding in 2025 and 2026, meeting the Article 5 deadline of June 2028 will be extremely difficult. A further reduction in funding could significantly delay progress.
Mid-Term Strategy Review and Funding Outlook
In May 2025, Sri Lanka undertook a mid-term review of its Completion Strategy, supported by GICHD. Conducted alongside a national completion survey stock-taking workshop, the review assessed ongoing progress and evaluated how different levels of funding would impact the clearance timeline.
The review concluded that achieving Article 5 completion by 2028 is technically feasible if sufficient funding and operational support are mobilized promptly. However, should current funding levels persist, operational limitations will affect the pace and scale of implementation.
These findings were presented at a high-level donor appreciation and coordination event held on 2 May 2025, attended by the Honorable Prime Minister and senior representatives from key donor governments. The event reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s national ownership and commitment to working in close partnership with the international community.
In light of the mid-term review and future funding trends, the Government of Sri Lanka will evaluate the necessity of submitting an Article 5 extension request by 2027, based on progress made and available resources.
Conclusion and Way Forward
Despite constraints, Sri Lanka’s mine action programme remains committed, data-driven, and community-centered. With the continued support of donors, implementing partners, and technical advisors, we are determined to advance our progress and ensure that no one is left behind due to the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war.
Sri Lanka reaffirms its full commitment to the principles and obligations of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Committee on Article 5 Implementation, donor states, and the broader mine action community to achieve a realistic, inclusive, and sustainable completion of its Article 5 obligations.
Thank you.
Mr. Coordinator,
I would also like to join others to appreciate the manner that you guide the discussion in this Subsidiary Body.
Sri Lanka reaffirms its unwavering commitment to nuclear disarmament and the establishment of robust legally binding security assurances to protect non-nuclear-weapon states from nuclear threats which is long overdue and has been in the CD agenda since its inception in 1979. The Final Document of Special Session on Disarmament (SSOD-I) in 1978 and subsequent review Conferences of the NPT had also outlined the need for such assurances.
While recognizing that the nuclear-weapon States have provided certain security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon States through UN Security Council resolutions, unilateral declarations and various pledges as well as taking efforts in establishing nuclear-weapon-free zones, it is noted that such voluntary commitments are non-binding and attach conditions. Nuclear-weapon-free zones also do not cover all regions. Today, we see the real challenges in the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East.
Therefore, the only effective guarantee against nuclear threats is the total elimination of nuclear weapons. Pending this, Sri Lanka urges the Conference on Disarmament (CD) to start substantive work on concluding an international legally-binding instrument providing unconditional guarantees to non-nuclear-weapon States.
Towards this direction, the overlapping elements and shared principles of the existing unilateral declarations, Security Council resolutions, and protocols to establish Nuclear Weapons Free Zones could be perceived as a starting point for negotiations. The unresolved questions such as;
i. which States should give the assurance: whether the States Parties to the NPT or all nuclear armed States and;
ii. which States would be eligible to receive the assurance
need to be resolved through inclusive negotiation.
Sri Lanka emphasizes that effective international arrangements for negative security assurances must address both immediate security concerns as well as long-term disarmament goals. It is also essential to strengthen the IAEA safeguards under Article III of the NPT to ensure compliance, enhance transparency measures, real-time monitoring and to ensure peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Sri Lanka was one of the earliest supporters of Nuclear Weapon Free Zones. At the 1964 Non-Aligned Summit in Cairo, the leading role played by the then Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike led the summit to issue a declaration in favor of global “denuclearized zones”. Sri Lanka advocated for extending Nuclear Weapon Free Zones to cover not only land masses but also the oceans, reflecting its forward-thinking approach to nuclear disarmament. Also allow me to recall that in 1971, Sri Lanka made an indelible mark on the world stage by being instrumental in the passage of a historic resolution at the United Nations to declare the Indian Ocean region and its airspace as a Zone of Peace. As the Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Sri Lanka continues to foster its enduring commitment to promoting peace, unity & stability in the region. Our longstanding approach to non-alignment and advocacy for complete elimination of nuclear weapons, has positioned Sri Lanka as a credible partner in support of Nuclear Weapon Free Zones.
As the sole multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, the CD must act decisively to fulfill its mandate and must prioritize drafting a legally binding agreement on security assurances for non-nuclear states without further delay and this could be the lowest hanging fruit to break the impasse. Therefore, we extend our support to the Subsidiary Body 4 to expedite discussions on concrete measures to negotiate an unconditional, legally binding instrument for negative security assurances, including verification mechanisms for compliance.
Thank you
- Statement by Sri Lanka: Conference on Disarmament – Subsidiary Body 3: Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS), 10 June 2025
- Statement by Sri Lanka: Conference on Disarmament – Subsidiary Body 2: Prevention of nuclear war, including all related matters, 03 June 2025
- Statement by Sri Lanka: Conference on Disarmament – Subsidiary Body 1 - Cessation of the nuclear arms race and nuclear disarmament, 27 May 2025