The Hague: 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 in The Hague, the Netherlands.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera, who is also the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), delivered the National Statement at CSP-29. While recognizing the progress made in the implementation of the Convention, Ambassador Gunasekera emphasized the importance of sustained commitment to the obligations outlined in the CWC to achieve its ultimate success. She reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s firm opposition 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 effo
rts to fulfill its obligations at the national level and detailed the activities undertaken by the National Authority of Sri Lanka in this regard. She also expressed Sri Lanka’s support for increased international cooperation in scientific and technology exchange for peaceful purposes that align with the Convention. Additionally, Sri Lanka looks forward to collaborating on addressing emerging technological challenges while capitalizing on the benefits that technologies such as AI offer to the chemical industry. Cooperation is also deemed crucial to ensure advancements in chemistry do not fall into the hands of terrorists.

Sri Lanka signed the Chemical Weapons Convention on 14th January 1993 and ratified it on 19th August 1994. To meet its obligations under the CWC, Sri Lanka established a National Authority, currently under the Ministry of Defence. The CWC is commonly known as 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 Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, which is comprised of 193 Member States, including Sri Lanka. The 29th session of the Conference of State Parties is ongoing from 25th to 29th November 2024.

One of the standout highlights of the event was the participation of Co-owner and Head of the drinks program at Smoke and Bitters, Matara, Sri Lanka, Don Ransinghe. Smoke and Bitters has ranked #29 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Don mesmerized attendees with his exceptional mixology skills, crafting innovative beverages that showcased Sri Lanka’s unique flavors infused with modern techniques.