SL reiterates commitment to CWC implementation

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 held in The Hague, the Netherlands yesterday (27).

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera, who is also the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), delivered the National Statement at CSP – 29.

While recognising 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 capitalising 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.

Sri Lanka signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) on January 14, 1993 and ratified on August 19, 1994. In order to fulfill obligations under the CWC, Sri Lanka established a National Authority, currently under the Defence Ministry. 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 Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and comprises 193 Member States, including Sri Lanka. The 29th session of the Conference of State Parties is currently ongoing from November 25 – 29.

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