Statement by Her Excellency Himalee Arunatilaka, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva
at the 2nd Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, 22 July – 02 August 2024
Cluster 3 - Peaceful uses of nuclear energy – 30 July 2024
Mr. President,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Sri Lanka is pleased to address the 2nd Preparatory Committee for the 2026 Review Conference of the Parties to the NPT under Cluster 3 and wishes to reaffirm our commitment to promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy and technology, as enshrined in Article IV of the Treaty.
Mr President, the world is at a critical juncture requiring the collective efforts of all stakeholders to address the increasing inequalities across the globe. We call on all Member States to uphold the ‘inalienable right of all the Parties to the Treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination’ as guaranteed by the NPT.
Sri Lanka believes that the peaceful application of nuclear energy and technology offers multifaceted solutions to current socioeconomic challenges including food security, power generation, health, agriculture, water resource management, environment protection, climate change etc. and support towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This is why Sri Lanka is pleased to join the initiative of the Philippines and like-minded countries to co-sponsor the Working Paper titled ‘Upscaling the Non-Power Applications of Nuclear Energy’ at this meeting.
At the same time, we emphasize the crucial need to address safety concerns, ensuring equitable distribution of benefits, and continue to maximize the positive impact of nuclear technology on sustainable development with special attention to the needs of developing countries.
Nuclear safety and security remain paramount concerns for Sri Lanka. We are party to the Convention on Nuclear Safety since 1999 and are committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety in our activities related to peaceful use of nuclear energy. We call on all states to strengthen their national and international nuclear safety frameworks and to adhere to relevant international instruments.
Sri Lanka recognizes the vital role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in promoting the safe, secure, and peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology across the world. We commend the IAEA's efforts in supporting Member States, particularly developing countries, in harnessing the benefits of nuclear technology for sustainable development. The Technical Cooperation programme of IAEA in particular is important for countries like Sri Lanka in building capacity and accessing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
With a view to sharing our common interest and best practices, I would also like to highlight a few key engagements of Sri Lanka in this area. Sri Lanka is seeking to increase and diversify its power production capacity. The Government is looking at nuclear power as a reliable and low carbon option for its energy mix as it aims to achieve carbon neutrality of the electricity sector by 2050.
Sri Lanka’s active engagement in Nuclear Science and Technology started soon after becoming a founding member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1957. Sri Lanka appreciates and supports the IAEA's initiatives such as Modernization of Nuclear Applications laboratories in Seibersdorf (ReNuAL2), Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC), Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics) and Rays of Hope initiatives. These programs are aimed at launching diverse applications of nuclear technology in addressing global challenges, from health and environmental issues to sustainable development goals.
In Sri Lanka, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (SLAERC) is mandated to function as the focal point for international conventions and protocols in the field of nuclear safety, security and safeguards. The Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB) is aimed at Sustainable Development of the Nation through Nuclear Science and Technology and is facilitating the utilization of this technology in a wide range of applications in many fields that can make a significant contribution to the development of medical, agricultural, industrial, energy and environmental sectors in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is also a signatory to several international conventions related to nuclear safety and security, such as the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident, the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, Convention on Nuclear Safety and Application of Safeguards in connection with the Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT).
We also believe that proactive regional cooperation is vital in promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Sri Lanka has signed the Regional Cooperation Agreement which is aimed at promoting cooperation with countries in Aisa and the Pacific and IAEA in the peaceful uses of nuclear science.
Mr. President,
Sri Lanka seeks to enhance its active partnership in peaceful uses of nuclear energy and this session provides an important opportunity for knowledge sharing and international cooperation.
We firmly believe that the benefits of nuclear science and technology must be accessible to all States while ensuring the highest standards of safety and non-proliferation.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka reaffirms its commitment to the NPT and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and we urge all states to work together in strengthening the international framework for nuclear cooperation, safety, and security.
Thank you.
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