Mr. Coordinator,
Sri Lanka appreciates your leadership in guiding the informal consultations in this Subsidiary Body in a manner where all States could profoundly discuss the related issues on the cessation of the nuclear arms race and nuclear disarmament.
As the recent global security challenges continue to highlight the risk of use or threat to use nuclear weapons, establishment of a robust legal framework through multilateral discussion remains our most promising pathway toward complete nuclear disarmament.
The Conference on Disarmament, as the sole multilateral negotiating forum available in this regard, bears a special responsibility in advancing the legal framework for nuclear disarmament. While we acknowledge the challenges faced by this body in recent decades, Sri Lanka remains convinced of its indispensable role and potential.
Sri Lanka views various disarmament treaties not as competing instruments but as complementary frameworks that ultimately strengthen the legal architecture for nuclear disarmament.
Among them, the provision for prohibition of nuclear weapons established by the TPNW represents a crucial step toward their elimination. By explicitly prohibiting States Parties from developing, testing, producing, manufacturing, acquiring, possessing, or stockpiling nuclear weapons, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) establishes comprehensive legal barriers against nuclear weapons. Further, its prohibitions against transferring, receiving, using, or threatening to use nuclear weapons further strengthen the international norm against nuclear weapons. The NPT, CTBT, and other related instruments each address specific aspects of the nuclear disarmament process, from testing to manufacturing to use, creating a comprehensive framework towards the ultimate goal of their total elimination.
When discussing the legal framework to advance the process of nuclear disarmament, Sri Lanka believes that the complementarity between existing legal instruments must be recognized and leveraged more effectively.
While noting the growing nuclear risks which demands urgent attention and action, Sri Lanka wishes to emphasize several key points:
1. Universalization of Existing Instruments
While recalling its recent accession to the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), and ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), Sri Lanka calls for the promotion of universal adherence to existing disarmament treaties, including the TPNW and CTBT. Sri Lanka has consistently supported the UN General Assembly resolutions calling upon ‘all States that have not yet done so to sign, ratify, accept, approve or accede to the TPNW at the earliest possible date’ 1 . Sri Lanka also wishes to encourage all States, particularly those possessing nuclear weapons or those under nuclear security arrangements, to engage constructively with these Treaties and their humanitarian principles and objectives.
2. Humanitarian Consequences
We all need to be conscious that the use of any nuclear weapon is not merely a security issue but bears catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Thus, as responsible members of the international community we all need to ensure the world will never experience such devastative impact. It remains as our ultimate obligation for future generations.
3. Verification mechanism
Nuclear disarmament verification remains essential to building confidence and transparency in disarmament processes. Sri Lanka supports strengthening existing verification regimes and developing new technologies and approaches that can support effective monitoring of compliance with disarmament obligations.
4. Strengthening the Conference on Disarmament
We believe that breaking the institutional deadlock in the CD requires creative approaches and flexibility of all stakeholders. This institutional deadlock diminishes the effectiveness of the CD in addressing disarmament issues over the decades. The recent decision allowing Subsidiary Bodies to continue their work into 2025 offers a valuable opportunity to overcome these challenges and Sri Lanka stands ready to engage constructively in efforts to develop a balanced and comprehensive program of work of the CD that addresses the priorities of all member states and advancing the legal framework necessary for achieving and maintaining a world free of nuclear weapons.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka calls upon all States to renew their commitment to multilateralism and to the development of legal frameworks that will facilitate verifiable and irreversible nuclear disarmament.
Thank you
[1] UNGA Resolution 79/38 - Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons
The International Tea Day which falls on 21 May was marked for the first time in Geneva at a special event co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Liaison Office, under the theme “Tea for Better Lives.” The event took place at the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) and brought together diplomats, UN officials, and members of the Sri Lankan community to celebrate tea’s cultural, economic, and social significance.
Director General of the UNOG Tatiana Valovaya attended as the Chief Guest of the event which also included a panel of speakers joining online from Rome and Colombo. The event was supported by the Sri Lanka Tea Board.
Delivering the opening remarks, Director of the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva Dominique Burgeon elaborated the origins of the international tea day and underlined the significance of the day in recognizing the cultural, economic, and social value of tea across the world.
Director General Valovaya highlighted that tea is more than just a drink, but a fascinating part of multilateralism as many important discussions take place over a cup of tea.
Ambassador Himalee Arunatilaka, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva, recounted the historical legacy of Ceylon Tea, dating back to 1852 with the arrival of British planter James Taylor. She also highlighted the Sri Lanka Tea Board’s 2025 theme: “A Sip of Heritage – A Taste of Ceylon” and centenary of the Sri Lanka Tea Research Institute (TRI) while paying tribute to the TRI for providing research excellence to the industry bridging innovation, sustainability and lifestyles since 1925.
Ambassador R. G. S. Wijesekara, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the World Trade Organization (WTO) highlighted the importance of global cooperation to sustain tea’s future, highlighting its vital role in livelihoods, development, and resilience amid climate and trade challenges.
El Mamoun Amrouk, Senior Economist in the Markets and Trade Division at FAO, joining online from Rome, shared insights on how tea supports livelihoods, preserves culture, and contributes to global health.
Former Chairman of the Planters’ Association of Ceylon and CEO and Executive Director of Talawakelle Tea Estates PLC, Senaka Alawattegama talked about Sri Lanka’s success story in transforming lives by empowering rural communities and women, climate resilience practices, sustainability and eco-friendly approach of Sri Lanka’s tea industry.
Veteran Tea Taster and Managing Director and CEO of Asia Siyaka Commodities PLC, Anil Cooke treated the audience to a virtual, yet inspiring tea tasting session, explaining the uniqueness attached to the teas grown in different regions of the country.
The participants were thereafter invited to a curated tasting of teas from Sri Lanka’s seven agro-climatic regions, paired with Sri Lankan delicacies.
The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka in Geneva
21 May 2025
Hon. Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Health and Mass Media paid a courtesy call on Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization on 20 May 2025.
During the meeting the main challenges in the country's health sector especially in Primary Health Care, aging population, Non-Communicable Diseases, workforce migration and local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and WHO’s support and cooperation in addressing those challenges were discussed.
Thank you Mr. President,
I congratulate you on your election as the President of this Assembly.
Sri Lanka appreciates DG’s report, timely theme “One World for Health” which is an opportune agenda for Sri Lanka and whole Global Community.
We have faced many challenges during the past half century and recovering from recent economic turmoil with the strength of the public together with global goodwill and assistance. As a country, we appreciate the connectedness, opportunities and health benefits that united Global action enablers.
Our government policy “A thriving nation: a beautiful life” is also aligned with “One world for health”, and the need for concerted action to be back on track on the SDGs.
Mr. President,
Sri Lanka had Out Patient Department visits of 3 times of its population in 2023, therefore to “leave no one behind”, we have embarked on “comprehensive primary health care reforms”. The main objective of this reform is to prevent bypassing of primary health institutions which is a challenge in health service delivery in Sri Lanka.
I stress the need to address the concerns due to health workforce migration affecting global health. During the years 2022 to 2025, 726-Consultants and 1,116- Medical Officers have gone abroad.
Sri Lanka has had to bear significant financial losses after investing to produce our own health professionals. We believe destination countries too need to be more responsible and we call for effective and invigorated implementation of the WHO code for International recruitment of Health personnel.
Achieving Sustainable Financing for Health requires increased investment in health, especially to build resilience against challenges we are presently facing: debt, disease & devaluation. Whilst we collaborate across sectors and disciplines our Government is committed to protect the nation’s health.
I look forward to the insightful deliberations of honoured delegates and welcome strengthening of One World for Health.
Ayubowan - May you live long. Thank you
Chairperson, Secretary General of Commonwealth,
Fellow Health Ministers,
Higher Officials, Invitees and,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good Morning!
First of all, let me appreciate the selection of a vital and an important theme for all the countries, as the theme of the 37th Commonwealth Health Ministers’ meeting (CHMM).
Due to the reason that Health is a fundamental human right, in order to secure an equitable future, it is essential that we invest in health. It is important that you prioritize the problems that have considerable impact on health of nations. In this time, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become one of the priorities in the world and for the Commonwealth, for which an adequate investment is needed.
Non-communicable diseases are responsible for 74% of deaths worldwide. The scenario in most of the Commonwealth countries are the same. In order to get a good impact, you need to invest in key risk factors leading to NCDs. Therefore, investing in primary and primordial prevention for NCDs, is important to reduce future burden due to NCDs, in the Commonwealth countries.
I also support subject areas such as climate change, Universal Health Coverage and to promote healthy aging. Careful planning with data driven decision making combined with sustainable financing, definitely will lead to health equity.
Recently, Sri Lanka has undergone a severe economic downturn. We think that sustainable financing for an equitable Commonwealth includes Human Resources for Health, as it has significant implication on health financing. We experience a serious brain drain of health professionals compounding burden on the health system. I trust that the health professionals, specially doctors in post graduate training in developed countries, should return to serve their motherland as colossal amounts of resources have been spent on them over the years. Therefore, it is timely that we in the Commonwealth come to a consensus among us in commonwealth.
Let us work along these years theme, accompanied by solid plan of action to make a reality for an equitable Commonwealth.
Thank you!
The Government of Sri Lanka maintains that the allegation of genocide during the final phase of the conflict in Sri Lanka is unsubstantiated by any credible authority, either nationally or internationally, and is based on misleading information. Sri Lanka firmly rejects this false narrative and believes it has been propagated primarily for electoral gains within Canada.
It is worth highlighting that in April 2021, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development of Canada officially confirmed that the Government of Canada has not made any finding of genocide in Sri Lanka. Additionally, Canada designated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as a terrorist organization in 2006 and reaffirmed this designation in June 2024.
The Government of Sri Lanka has repeatedly expressed its strong objections to the construction of a so-called Tamil Genocide Monument at Chinguacousy Park in Brampton, Canada. It has consistently urged the Federal Government of Canada to intervene and prevent this regrettable initiative by the Brampton City Council.
Sri Lanka views this development as offensive to the broader Sri Lankan and Canadian communities. It strongly believes that the propagation of such unfounded allegations and the construction of monuments based on fabrications not only mislead the public but also hinder Sri Lanka’s genuine efforts toward reconciliation, national unity, and lasting peace among all communities.
In this regard, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath met with the Canadian High Commissioner today to reiterate the Government of Sri Lanka’s strong objections regarding the unfounded genocide allegations and the approval of constructing such a monument, which complicates and undermines the government’s efforts toward reconciliation and national unity.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
Colombo
14 May 2025
Sri Lanka’s participation at the hybrid side-event titled "Accelerating the transition from HHPs to biopesticides and agroecological alternatives" - 2 May 2025 held during the Meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions in 2025 was led by Secretary to the Ministry of Environment Mr. K.R. Uduwawala and included officials from the Ministry of Environment, Department of Agriculture and Central Environmental Authority.
Photo Credit: BRS Convention/Kiara Worth
- Statement delivered by Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Mr. K.R. Uduwawala at the High-Level Segment of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, under the Sub Theme on Pollution
- Training on Disarmament for Sri Lanka Foreign Service Officers
- Sri Lanka co-hosted a side event at the Global Disability Summit in Berlin, Germany