Mr. President,
At the outset, allow me to extend warmest congratulations to Permanent Representative of Pakistan, His Excellency Tahir Hussain Andrabi and to the delegation of Pakistan, on assuming the Presidency of the Conference on Disarmament. Your Excellency, rest assured of my delegation’s fullest support and cooperation as you guide the work of this august body. Sri Lanka also takes this opportunity to appreciate the leadership, vision and commitment of the previous Presidencies of the CD, this year.
I also take this opportunity to warmly welcome newly appointed Permanent Representative of Germany and Actg. Head of the Delegation of the USA.
Sri Lanka wishes to express its sincere appreciation to His Excellency Carlos Mario Foradori, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Argentina, Coordinator of the Subsidiary Body 3 and the Chair of the Open-ended Working Group on the prevention of an arms race in outer space in all its aspects for his dedicated leadership and for presenting his reflections to the Conference, today.
Mr. President,
The agenda item 3 – ‘Prevention of an arms race in outer space’ has become an important aspect in global disarmament that warrants our attention more than ever
Sri Lanka’s position on outer space security remains clear, consistent, and principled. Outer space is a common heritage of humankind. It must be preserved exclusively for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of all nations, irrespective of their degree of scientific or economic development. We firmly reject any strategic doctrine that seeks to frame outer space as a warfighting domain or extended battle field for global power competition.
We strongly believe that the activities in outer space should be guided by the principles enshrined in the UN Chater, particularly Article 2 on the prevention of threat or use of force. Further we call that all activities in outer space should align with the existing provisions of the Outer Space Treaty.
My delegation takes positive note of the deliberations during the Subsidiary Body 3 as well as at the third session of the OEWG in last July. It is noted that while substantive divergences remain, particularly regarding the definition of ‘space weapons’ and ‘the scope of future legal obligations’, there is meaningful convergence on the urgent need to protect civilian space-based infrastructure, prevent harmful interference, and reduce the risks of miscalculation.
Mr. President,
As we look ahead to the future work of the OEWG and broader PAROS discussions in the CD, Sri Lanka wishes to outline the following key considerations:
- First, Sri Lanka is of the view that voluntary norms, behavioral guidelines, and Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (TCBMs) are valuable interim steps to build trust and confidence. However, they are complementary and can never replace a comprehensive, legally binding, and multilaterally verifiable treaty approach prohibiting the placement of weapons in outer space.
- Second, the rapid developments in dual-use systems, commercial installations, and counterspace capabilities require balanced regulation. Measures must be comprehensive to address not merely the testing of destructive capabilities, but the research, production, deployment, and placement of all space weapon systems.
- Third, any future legal instrument must feature an adaptable verification mechanism. Rapid advancements in dual-use technology and the rise of commercial space actors require verification protocols that can evolve alongside technology, supported by a clear dispute resolution framework to manage compliance equitably.
- Fourth, frameworks established to mitigate space threats must not serve as pretext for discriminatory restrictions that impede developing, non-spacefaring nations from accessing space applications vital for climate resilience, disaster management, and sustainable development.
- Fifth, the generation of space debris poses an existential risk to the long-term sustainability of Near-Earth orbit. Sri Lanka stresses that space debris creation disproportionately impacts non-spacefaring nations reliant on global space assets. Preventing an arms race must encompass concrete rules on debris mitigation to avoid the disastrous consequences of orbital overcrowding and collision cascades.
In conclusion, Mr. President, as a longstanding co-sponsor of the UN General Assembly resolution on PAROS together with Egypt, Sri Lanka reaffirms its commitment to working constructively within the Conference on Disarmament, the OEWG and other multilateral engagements, including the UNGA First Committee to ensure the long-term safety, security, and sustainable use of outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes.
Thank you
The delegation of Sri Lanka led by Dr. Upali Pannilage, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security, and Community Empowerment successfully presented its initial national report under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) during the 35th Session of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 14 August 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland.
The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee), during its 35th session, will review Sri Lanka’s initial report under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in Geneva on 14th August 2026.
The Review will take the form of an interactive dialogue between the Government of Sri Lanka’s Delegation and the CRPD Committee. Members of the Delegation will participate both in person in Geneva and virtually from Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s Delegation to the Review will be led by Dr. Upali Pannilage, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment.
The Delegation participating in person in Geneva will consist of senior officials from the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism and Attorney-General’s Department, together with officials of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Geneva.
The Delegation participating virtually from Colombo will comprise senior officials and representatives from other relevant Ministries and institutions.
Sri Lanka ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2016 and submitted its initial report under the Convention in October 2019. In December 2025, Sri Lanka also responded to a list of issues from the Committee, providing further information. The review will provide an opportunity for the Government of Sri Lanka and the Committee to take stock of Sri Lanka’s implementation of the Convention and engage in a constructive dialogue on measures to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
Sri Lanka will be considered alongside Slovakia, Qatar, Lithuania and Chile during the Committee’s 35th session, which is being held from 12 to 27 August 2026 in Geneva.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism
Colombo
13 August 2026
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Sumith Dassanayake, had a meeting with Mr. Vincent Subilia, Director General of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services (CCIG), on 12 August 2026.
During the meeting, Ambassador Dassanayake briefed the Chamber on recent economic developments in Sri Lanka and highlighted considerable untapped potential for expanding trade, investment and wider commercial relations between Sri Lanka and Switzerland. He stressed that stronger business-to-business engagement would be important in translating the longstanding friendly relations between the two countries into tangible economic partnerships.
Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake underscored possibilities for strengthening institutional links between the Geneva Chamber and Sri Lankan business chambers, including exploring a possible Chamber-to-Chamber Memorandum of Understanding, exchange of business delegations, business matchmaking and closer cooperation with relevant Sri Lankan trade and investment institutions.
Ambassador Dassanayake also shared information on Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka in January 2027, and invited the CCIG to encourage Geneva and Swiss companies to participate and explore emerging trade, sourcing, investment and partnership opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Subilia welcomed the engagement and agreed that information on Sri Lanka Expo 2027 and emerging business opportunities could be shared among the Chamber’s membership through its communication channels. Both sides also discussed possibilities for further Chamber-to-Chamber cooperation and continued engagement aimed at connecting interested businesses in Sri Lanka and Switzerland.
The meeting marked an initial step towards developing a more practical and sustained partnership between the Sri Lankan Mission in Geneva and the CCIG, with a particular focus on facilitating direct business connections and identifying concrete commercial opportunities.
Ambassador Dassanayake was accompanied by Ambassador R.G.S. Wijesekara, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the World Trade Organization. The meeting was also attended by Mr. Arthur Lusenti, Head of International Affairs of the CCIG.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva
12 August 2026
The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake held a constructive meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Barham Salih at the UNHCR headquarters in Geneva on 17 July 2026. The high-level meeting focused on reviewing ongoing assistance for refugees and further strengthening cooperation between Sri Lanka and the UN Refugee Agency.
During the discussion, both parties acknowledged the long-standing and constructive working relationship between Sri Lanka and the UNHCR. Permanent Representative Sumith Dassanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to continued engagement with the Agency on matters of sustainable return and reintegration, as well as addressing the regional displacement challenges.
High Commissioner Barham Salih expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka's continued collaboration with UNHCR and commended the country’s ongoing efforts to promote long-term social and economic stability and social cohesion.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to maintaining active dialogue and deepening cooperation in support of shared humanitarian objectives and sustainable solutions for refugees.
High Commissioner Barham Salih was elected to the post by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2025 for a 5-year term. He also served as the President of Iraq from 2018-2022.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva
20 July 2026
Mr. Chair,
At the outset, the delegation of Sri Lanka wishes to express deep condolences and solidarity with the people of Venezuela following the devastative impact of the recent earthquake.
Mr. Chair, since this is the first time that my delegation is taking the floor, Sri Lanka wishes to congratulate you on your continued leadership for the third session of the Open-ended Working Group.
Mr. Chair,
Sri Lanka’s approach to outer space security remains clear, consistent, and deeply rooted in our historical commitment. We reaffirm the foundational principle that outer space is the common heritage of humankind. Its exploration and use must be reserved exclusively for peaceful purposes, operating to the benefit of all peoples, irrespective of their level of economic, technological or scientific development.
We strongly believe that the activities in outer space should be guided by the principles enshrined in the UN Chater, particularly Article 2 on the prevention of threat or use of force. Further we call that all activities in outer space should align with the existing provisions of the Outer Space Treaty.
Guided by this vision, we strongly reject any militaristic approach that risks drawing humanity into a catastrophic orbit of conflict, where the consequences will not be confined to spacefaring nations but will fall heavily upon the entire global community, particularly developing nations that rely on space-based socio-economic infrastructure.
Mr. Chair,
Under this agenda item, our focus is fixed on the crucial imperative of preventing the placement of weapons in outer space. Sri Lanka has long maintained that the most effective way to address this threat is early conclusion of a comprehensive, legally binding, and multilaterally verifiable international treaty.
My delegation strongly maintains that voluntary norms, rules, and transparency and confidence-building measures (TCBMs) are useful but inherently complementary in nature and not substitute for a legally binding instrument. We believe that such measures serve as valuable interim steps to reduce mistrust and build confidence while leading to future foundational steps for a legally binding treaty architecture.
Mr. Chair, therefore, we express our support for this working group as it seeks the best outcome of these various approaches in a complementary and incremental way. To this direction, our work should be based on existing work carried out so far in the Conference on Disarmament, First Committee and other UN-led initiatives while avoiding duplications.
Mr. Chair,
To ensure that measures against the placement of weapons are both practical and enduring, my delegation wishes to highlight the following specific priorities:
First, the scope of prevention must be comprehensive. Partial measures that focus solely on the testing of specific technologies leave dangerous legal gaps. A robust prevention framework must explicitly address, and restrict the research, development, production, and deployment of all weapon systems designed for placement in orbit.
Second, any future legal instrument must feature an adaptable verification mechanism. Rapid advancements in dual-use technology and the rise of commercial space actors require verification protocols that can evolve alongside technology, supported by a clear dispute resolution framework to manage compliance equitably.
Third, legal frameworks must safeguard the access to developing states for peaceful use of outer space. The prevention of an arms race must not limit developing nations from accessing space science, technology, and data for peaceful applications such as climate monitoring, disaster management, and sustainable development.
Mr. Chair,
In conclusion, Sri Lanka has historically been a foundational pillar of prevention of arms race in outer space, notably serving as the traditional co-sponsor of the annual UN General Assembly resolution on the Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS) together with Egypt.
Sri Lanka's position rests on the cardinal principle that outer space is the common heritage of humankind and must be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.
My delegation stands ready to work constructively with all delegations to achieve these shared goals.
Thank you.
Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Digital Economy participated as the Special Envoy of the President at the world’s largest global digital governance forums held in Geneva from 06-10 July 2026. The global event had three main forums vis-a vis the first United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance, World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Forum and AI for Good Global Summit 2026.
The inaugural session of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance was addressed by the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Annalena Baerbock, and other high-level dignitaries.
Addressing the historic first universal, UN-led platform on artificial intelligence; the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, Dr. Wijayasuriya underlined the importance of an inclusive international AI architecture that protects the interests of developing nations. He underscored that deep and meaningful inclusion raises the imperative of “Sovereign AI,” where countries can deploy AI in ways that reflect their own national priorities, cultures and languages without compromising independence, sensitive data or national resilience.
Further expanding on these themes, Dr. Wijayasuriya participated as a featured panelist in the high-level Leaders TalkX session on “Information Without Barriers: Making Knowledge Accessible” at the WSIS Forum.
Dr. Wijayasuriya also joined the Ministerial Roundtable with participating Ministers from other States and detailed Sri Lanka’s national digital transformation strategy, which integrates AI-powered language models, speech recognition, and translation services directly into the country’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to foster civic and economic inclusion.
On the margins of the summits, the Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya engaged in a series of bilateral meetings with global tech ministers, heads of international organizations, and diplomatic dignitaries, including Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication of Pakistan, Minister of Justice & Digital Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies of South Africa, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Communications of Malaysia, Vice President for Digital and AI of the World Bank, Deputy-Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) etc.
Dr. Wijayasuriya also addressed the event "From India to Geneva: A Global Convening on AI Impact at Scale," which was also addressed by the Minister of State for External Affairs; and Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India.
Through these targeted engagements, the high-level delegation of Sri Lanka explored technical cooperation, cross-border digital alignment, and knowledge sharing to accelerate Sri Lanka's pathway towards a digital economy. These engagements further consolidated Sri Lanka's position as a proactive and emerging digital hub in the Indian Ocean.
Dr. Wijayasuriya was accompanied by the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL), Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Bandula Herath, and senior officials of the Permanent Mission in Geneva.
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva
12 July 2026
- Statement by Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Mr. Bandula Herath, Director General of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) at the WSIS Forum 2026-Regulators Roundtable, 9 July 2026
- Remarks by Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy during the Leaders TalkX at the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 on 08 July 2026 in Geneva
- Sri Lanka Underscores the Role of Intellectual Property in Innovation and Inclusive Development at WIPO Assemblies