Sri Lanka reiterated its long standing commitment to the full, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation of the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) at the 29th session of the Conference of State Parties (CSP-29) to the Chemical Weapons Convention, today (27/11) in The Hague, the Netherlands.
The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera, who is also the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), delivered the National Statement at CSP - 29.
While recognizing the progress made in the implementation of the Convention, Ambassador Gunasekera stated that it is vital for all to demonstrate sustained commitment to the obligations outlined therein, to achieve its ultimate success. She stated that Sri Lanka remains firmly opposed to any use or threat of use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody under any circumstances.
The Ambassador highlighted Sri Lanka's continued action to fulfill its obligation at the national level and outlined some of the work carried out by the National Authority of Sri Lanka in this regard. She also stated that Sri Lanka supports efforts for greater international cooperation in scientific and technology exchange for peaceful purposes that are in accordance with the Convention. Sri Lanka also looks forward to cooperation in addressing emerging technological challenges while capitalizing on the positive aspects that technology such as AI has to offer in relation to the chemical industry. Likewise, cooperation is also imperative to ensure that advancements in the field of chemistry do not fall into the hands of terrorists. (The full statement delivered by the Ambassador is annexed.)
Sri Lanka signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) on 14th January 1993 and ratified on 19th August 1994. In order to fulfill obligations under the CWC, Sri Lanka established a National Authority, currently under the Ministry of Defence.
The CWC is the common name for the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction. Its implementing body, located in The Hague, is the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and is comprised of 193 Member States, including Sri Lanka. The 29th session of the Conference of State Parties is currently ongoing from 25 - 29 November 2024.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
The Hague
28 November 2024
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Statement by Sri Lanka
29th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the CWC
25 – 29 November 2024, The Hague
Mr. Chairperson,
I congratulate you on your election as the Chairperson of the 29th CSP, and I am confident that your able leadership will steer us to a productive and successful Conference. Please be assured of my delegation’s full support and cooperation.
I also express our sincere appreciation to the outgoing Chairperson, Ambassador Suljuk Mustansar Tarar of Pakistan, for his guidance and skillful leadership to the 28th CSP.
My delegation conveys our appreciation to Director-General Ambassador Arias Fernando and his team at the Technical Secretariat, for their commitment towards supporting the effective implementation of the CWC.
Sri Lanka aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of the NAM & China.
Mr. Chairperson,
As a founding State Party, Sri Lanka attaches great importance to this unique multilateral agreement that bans an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. We believe that universality and full implementation of the obligations under the Convention by all State Parties are essential. Its near universal membership clearly demonstrates the Convention’s widespread acceptance. More importantly, it reflects the commitment that we all share towards the common objective of eradicating chemical weapons.
Sri Lanka reiterates its long standing commitment to the full, effective, and non-discriminatory implementation of the provisions of the Convention. While recognizing the progress made in its implementation, my delegation considers it vital for all of us to demonstrate sustained commitment to the obligations outlined therein, to achieve its ultimate success. We remain firmly opposed to any use or threat of use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody under any circumstances.
My country continues to take action to fulfil our obligations with regard to national implementation. The National Authority of Sri Lanka maintains consistent cooperation with the OPCW, and has successfully facilitated two programmes for the OPCW industrial sector, in 2023 and 2024. Both phases of the OPCW Mentorship Programme with the National Authority of Malaysia were also completed this year. During the current year, the National Authority conducted training programmes for fire fighters, the Tri Forces and the Police, and held awareness programmes for government entities and chemical industries. In addition, the Industrial Technology Institute of Sri Lanka participated in the 56th official OPCW proficiency test to achieve CWC analysis proficiency.
Mr. Chairperson,
Sri Lanka supports efforts for greater international cooperation in scientific and technology exchange for peaceful purposes that are in accordance with the Convention. We also look forward to cooperation in addressing emerging technological challenges while capitalizing on the positive aspects that technology such as AI has to offer in relation to the chemical industry. Likewise, cooperation is also imperative to ensure that advancements in the field of chemistry do not fall into the hands of terrorists.
While acknowledging the Convention’s success, we should not lose sight of the threat that chemical weapons continue to pose which makes it imperative for us to work together towards the universalization of the Convention and ensure that chemical weapon use is confined to history. In this context, we reiterate the importance of consensus building in decision making at the OPCW. Engagement and dialogue in a spirit of cooperation among key stakeholders is essential to resolve issues.
Mr. Chairperson,
In September this year at the UN, we adopted the Pact for the Future. We resolved to set ourselves on a path to a brighter future for all, a world where well-being, security and dignity and a healthy planet are assured for all humanity. We pledged to uphold our disarmament obligations and commitments and to pursue a world free from chemical weapons. My delegation remains confident that our deliberations will facilitate accelerating the process of implementation of the Convention towards this noble cause.
Thank you.
