Monday, 19 October 2026
Presenter: Ms, Rajitha Weerasinghe
Location: New York
Statement by Mrs. Rajitha Weerasinghe, Assistant Director,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of Sri Lanka at the First Committee – Cluster 2 – Other Weapons of Mass Destruction at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly
19 October 2026
Mr. Chair,
My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, and I would like to add the following remarks in our national capacity.
The international security environment remains deeply concerning, with conflicts and heightened tensions continuing to affect international peace and security. Against this backdrop, Sri Lanka believes that our aspiration to see a world free of all weapons of mass destruction is more urgent than ever. As a State Party to the main conventions in this field, we take our commitments relating to disarmament seriously and approach this cluster in a spirit of cooperation. In this regard, Sri Lanka attaches great importance to strengthening the international legal and institutional framework governing these weapons, and to their full, effective, universal and non-discriminatory implementation.
Mr. Chair,
Let me turn first to chemical weapons. Sri Lanka stands for the full, effective, universal and non-discriminatory implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The verified destruction of all declared stockpiles under the Convention is an achievement we should acknowledge, and we welcome the continued work of the OPCW towards the complete elimination of chemical weapons. Sri Lanka supports the efforts of the OPCW to strengthen chemical safety and security and to develop best practices in this area.
Sri Lanka has also taken concrete measures to implement the Convention at the national level. The Chemical Weapons Convention Act No. 58 of 2007 provides the legislative framework for its implementation, and the National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) serves as the national focal point for effective liaison with the OPCW.
Mr. Chair,
On one point there can be no ambiguity: The use of these weapons, by anyone and under any circumstances, is contrary to international law. The effects of chemical weapons on people who have suffered from chemical attacks can be lifelong. Therefore, addressing their needs must remain a priority.
We regret that the last two Review Conferences ended without consensus outcomes. We urge States Parties to find their way back to common ground and to continue to implement the Convention fully and without discrimination, including through international cooperation in the peaceful uses of chemistry.
Mr. Chair,
My delegation views the Biological Weapons Convention as one of the important instruments of the international disarmament framework.
The Convention still lacks a legally binding verification mechanism, which remains a serious gap. Sri Lanka supports the negotiation of a legally binding verification regime that applies equally to all States Parties. We support the work of the Working Group on strengthening the Convention, including efforts to develop the International Cooperation and Assistance (ICA) mechanism and Science & Technology (S&T) mechanism, as well as measures on compliance and verification.
Sri Lanka submits its annual confidence-building measures and views them as an important contribution to transparency. These measures should be complementary to a future legally binding verification mechanism.
At home, we have worked to translate the Convention into practice. Our National Inventory of Dangerous Pathogens, developed with the help of international partners, is one concrete result. National implementation remains a particular priority for developing countries, many of which face constraints in resources and technical capacity. Sri Lanka is eager to share what we have learned with partners who may find that experience useful.
We also attach major importance to the peaceful uses of the life sciences. Advances in biological science and technology hold enormous promise for public health, food security, and development more generally. In keeping with Article X of the Convention, we encourage wider international cooperation and assistance so that developing countries can build the capacities needed to benefit from those advances.
Mr. Chair,
Security Council Resolution 1540 remains an important part of international efforts to prevent non-State actors from acquiring weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. Sri Lanka stresses that these efforts must reinforce the existing multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation framework, in line with the Charter. As preparations advance for the 2027 Comprehensive Review, the process should be transparent and take into account the differing circumstances and implementation capacities of developing countries.
We also share the concern of NAM over the possible emergence of new types of weapons of mass destruction, including radiological weapons and emerging technologies such as lethal autonomous weapons systems. Scientific and technological developments must remain under careful scrutiny, and the international community should be prepared to act where new dangers emerge.
Sri Lanka will continue to work with other delegations to strengthen these Treaties and encourage their universal observance. The complete elimination of weapons of mass destruction requires our steadfast cooperation. We owe that effort to present and future generations.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.