The 26th European Union (EU) – Sri Lanka Joint Commission took place on 22 February in Brussels. The meeting served as an occasion to exchange views on all areas of EU-Sri Lanka bilateral relations, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
The EU updated on its key policies and legislation over the past year including on its economic security strategy, artificial intelligence policy, business and human rights agenda, environment protection, Global Gateway strategy and EU Indo-Pacific strategy. Sri Lanka briefed the EU on the steady progress made in the past year towards economic stabilization and recovery. The EU noted that Sri Lanka is taking steps to ensure that economic growth is sustainable, inclusive and equitable and is accompanied by social protection measures for vulnerable groups. The EU congratulated Sri Lanka on the rapid economic recovery and growth prospects.
The EU and Sri Lanka discussed current global challenges, such as combating climate change, financing green energy and technology transition, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and mitigating the sovereign debt crisis, the challenges of terrorism and transnational organised crime, cyber-security and disinformation. They highlighted the importance of international law in upholding international peace and security, with full respect of the UN Charter.
Madam Secretary-General of the Conference on Disarmament
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen
I extend my felicitations to you Mr. President on assuming the Presidency of this Conference and assure you of my country’s fullest support in carrying out the important work of this Conference.
I also appreciate the commitment and the untiring efforts of the Indian presidency that preceded, towards building consensus through open and broad consultations.
I am addressing this important body at a decisive time in human history. The need is more vital than ever, for effective disarmament diplomacy.
In the backdrop of prevailing complex geo-political tensions and threats to the global peace, security and stabilization, as well as the fast-emerging digital technologies, the need for the Conference on Disarmament to resume its substantive work is apparent. It is a matter of deep regret that for over more than two decades the CD has been deadlocked, preventing it from negotiating urgent matters of vital importance on its agenda.
Mr. President,
It is also significant that the Conference addresses evolving issues related to Disarmament. Advanced technologies provide new opportunities for the betterment of the humankind, but if unregulated, they also pose grave challenges.
The use of AI in weapons systems without human intervention is a matter of grave concern to my delegation. Sri Lanka consistently advocates on the centrality of human control in weapons systems. In this context, I am pleased to recall that Sri Lanka co-sponsored the first ever UNGA Resolution on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems in September last year.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry urged the members of the UN Human Rights Council not to allow short-term political gains or “domestic vote bank politics” to overtake the work of the Council, when addressing the High-Level segment of the 55th Session of the Council through a pre-recorded video statement on 27 February 2024.
Minister Sabry highlighted that despite the severe constraints faced by the country, Sri Lanka continued to engage actively and constructively with an extensive array of helpful working methods of the Council, that are productive and beneficial to the people.
The Foreign Minister reiterated Sri Lanka's rejection of the HRC resolutions 46/1 and 51/1 and the external evidence gathering mechanism established by these resolutions, while emphasizing that such mechanisms are counterproductive and unhelpful and contradict the founding principles of the Council.
He also provided an overview of the tangible progress made by the country with regard to economic recovery, national unity and reconciliation and added that the cornerstone of this recovery lies in pragmatic policy decisions that prioritize the country’s welfare over short-term political gains. The significant progress achieved in this regard has been recognized and welcomed both locally and internationally, he stated.
While stating that the Council’s approach to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will be another litmus test to its credibility, Minister Sabry urged the Council to prioritize depoliticization, constructive dialogue, and multilateral cooperation while avoiding double standards.
The 55th Session of the Council takes place in Geneva from 26 February – 5 April 2024. During this Session, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights will present an oral update on Sri Lanka on 04 March 2023, as mandated by the HRC Resolution 51/1. Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Himalee Arunatilaka will deliver Sri Lanka’s statement as the country concerned following the oral update by the High Commissioner.
"UPI is beneficial for both countries, dollar dependency should reduce.."State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya tells @WIONews
Sri Lanka reassures India that it won't allow its land to be used by any third country to compromise India's security. Sri Lanka’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya spoke exclusively to Asianet Newsable's Anish Kumar
First Published Feb 23, 2024, 8:58 AM IST
Sri Lanka has reiterated that its land will not be used by any third country to jeopardise India’s security concerns, amidst the Chinese spy vessel docking in the Maldives waters on the same day. On the sidelines of the 9th edition of Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, Sri Lanka’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya told Asianet Newsable: "India should not be worried about the security concern. We know India’s growing stature and we will not be used by any third party or country to jeopardize India’s security. So through honest and candid exchange of views, we can overcome any problem."
Till October 2023, China was allowed to dock its spy ship in Sri Lankan waters amidst India’s fears that the vessel could be used to surveil the region. However, earlier this year Colombo banned entry of the Chinese research vessel in its waters, which is seen as growing cooperation in the wake of New Delhi stepping in with massive financial and material assistance.
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