Thursday, 22 October 2026
Presenter: Mr. Chatura Perera
Location: New York
Statement by Mr. Chatura Perera, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations: First Committee Cluster 5 – Other Disarmament Measures and International Security
81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly: 22 October 2026
Mr. Chair,
Sri Lanka aligns itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement. I wish to add the following remarks in our national capacity.
Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) have now become an integral part of how Sri Lanka pursues its development – from public services to financial inclusion. However, this growing reliance also brings cybersecurity challenges that can affect the continuity of essential services and the security of critical information systems. Sri Lanka reiterates that international law, and the Charter of the United Nations in particular, applies to the conduct of States in their use of ICTs.
We welcome the conclusion of the Open-ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies 2021 - 2025, and the adoption of its final report by consensus.
We also welcome the first substantive plenary of the UN Global Mechanism held in July 2026. A single-track, State-led process, open to all Member States and working on the basis of consensus provides an important platform for building trust in this field.
For developing countries, capacity building remains essential to strengthening their ability to address ICT-related threats. Capacity building efforts should respond to nationally identified needs and respect national ownership. Sri Lanka also values confidence building measures, including the Global Intergovernmental Points of Contact Directory, as practical measures to facilitate communication and cooperation among States, including in the event of a significant cybersecurity incident.
Mr. Chair,
When it comes to disarmament, the 21st century is increasingly shaped by the rapid development of emerging technologies, particularly applications of artificial intelligence in the military domain. In this regard, Sri Lanka sees the need for inclusive and non discriminatory frameworks to govern applications of AI.
Military AI capabilities require comprehensive governance and oversight from the outset of their development. Compliance with international law must be ensured at every stage of the AI lifecycle in order to safeguard accountability and prevent any gaps in responsibility in decisions involving the use of force. In this regard, effective human control and full adherence to IHL should be maintained and legally guaranteed throughout the entire lifecycle, from development and testing to deployment, operation, and retirement.
Such measures must not restrict equitable access to AI for peaceful purposes and development. The applications of AI must also protect the ability of developing countries to benefit from these technologies for peaceful purposes and be matched by meaningful international cooperation, including capacity building and technology transfer, so that the distance between developed and developing States does not grow wider.
Mr. Chair,
Sri Lanka supports the resolutions presented by NAM under this cluster.
For Sri Lanka, environmental protection and disarmament are closely connected. We share the concern at the steady rise in global military spending, when those resources could do far more to help improve lives around the world.
Mr. Chiar,
Addressing these challenges requires renewed commitment to multilateralism, grounded in consensus and respect for international law. Sri Lanka remains ready to look for common ground and mutually beneficial solutions that builds trust and ease tensions among States.
Thank you.