Mr. Chairman,
Sri Lanka congratulates you, the Director General, and the WIPO Secretariat for the successful organization of these Assemblies. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the distinguished delegate of Pakistan on behalf of the APG.
Sri Lanka places high importance on the protection of IP and the commercialization of innovation.
We commend WIPO’s leadership in the adoption of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty, a milestone in simplifying global design registration.
Earlier this year, Sri Lanka signed an MOU with WIPO to enhance IP services through digitization, system upgrades, and capacity building. The digitization of our IP documents, expected to conclude by December, will significantly improve our IPAS system and enable modernized services, including online filing and search.
We are also making progress toward ratifying the Madrid Protocol and thank the Madrid Registry for its valuable support. Deployment of the system is expected soon after digitization is complete.
In copyright, we are introducing a voluntary registration and depository system, alongside strengthening CMOs to better serve right holders.
Mr. Chairman, we have enacted legislation to register GI, providing stronger protection for iconic Sri Lankan products such as Ceylon Tea, Cinnamon, and Gems.
We remain committed to fostering innovation, expanding the TISC network, and continuing collaboration with WIPO on the Global Innovation Index and innovation ecosystem development.
As a country rich in biodiversity and cultural heritage, we are advancing a national policy and legal framework for TK , recognizing its vital place in our IP system.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka expresses its deep appreciation to WIPO for its continued support and reaffirms our commitment to a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking IP system.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.