Position paper for Sri Lanka
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures |
| Paper text: | |
| In 2001, we requested assistance from the UN and the Department of Disarmament
Affairs to assist with our arms trafficking efforts. Recently, we reduced illicit arms from 658
to 325 from 2020 to 2021. This shows that we have significantly reduced the amount of
illicit arms that are brought into our country. While this number shows improvement, we
understand that there is still work that needs to be done. In 2024, we revitalized our
efforts to curb small arms and light weapons from entering our country with help from
the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs. We built armories to keep illegal weapons out of
the hands of criminals, that way citizens of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
will be safe from violence. We have decreased the number of illegal weapons in our
country and have also worked with UN to revitalize our efforts to disarm small arms and
light weapons.
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka believes that disarmament of weapons is a key factor in creating peace. One way that we have done this is by signing Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in 2023. Our minister of foreign affairs, M. U. M. Ali Sabry, said upon signing the treaty said that the treaty affirms our "long-standing commitment towards nuclear disarmament in favor of international peace and security."5. We believe strongly in our commitment to disarmament of all weapons. The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka vows to complete our obligations and to continue our efforts in disarming weapons in our country and around the world. We strongly believe that the best way to achieve peace is by disarming and seizing weapons to prevent conflicts from arising. We will continue to seize illegal weapons in our country and will continue our agreement on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. We support efforts from the United Nations to meet the goal of significantly reducing illicit financial and arms flows by 2030. | |
| Committee: | GA First |
| Topic: | Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction |
| Paper text: | |
| The delegation of Sri Lanka is supportive of the efforts by the General Assembly to continue
the implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production,
Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction, also known as the
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). As a party to the CWC, Sri Lanka is committed to the
continued disarmament of chemical weapons through the destruction of chemical weapon
stockpiles and production facilities. While the delegation of Sri Lanka recognizes the major
progress that has been made in chemical weapon disarmament, with "100% of the chemical
weapons stockpiles declared by States Parties to the CWC hav[ing] been verifiably destroyed"
(Chemical Weapons : UNODA, n.d.), the delegation of Sri Lanka also notes additional
progress that must be made, especially regarding non-state actors and states non-party to the
CWC.
A crucial step that this assembly must take is to encourage the ratification of the CWC by all members of this chamber. All but four member states have ratified or acceded to the Convention, yet these remaining four present a significant obstacle in limiting chemical weapons use. As recently as 2023, the Israeli Defense Forces have faced accusations of using chemical weapons, specifically white phosphorus munitions, in Gaza (Wintour, 2023). While the government of Israel has denied these accusations, the potential for these actions by voting members of this organization constitute a threat to our goal of eliminating chemical weapons use, and the delegation of Sri Lanka believes that the United Nations should use all possible options to encourage and pressure the remaining member non-parties to ratify or accede to the CWC. By working towards the elimination of the production of chemical weapons by UN members, it will become increasingly difficult for non-State actors to obtain these weapons. The delegation of Sri Lanka also recognizes the need to increase monitoring of chemical weapons. Sri Lanka believes that the organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) must be further strengthened and empowered in order to ensure that it is capable of inspecting and monitoring the production and use of chemical weapons. The delegation of Sri Lanka supports increasing the power of OPCW to conduct inspections at known or suspected sites as well as improving its ability to monitor these sites through new technologies such as artificial intelligence, which OPCW considers a potential tool in advancing the implementation of the CWC (Global Conference on AI in CWC Implementation, n.d.). The delegation of Sri Lanka also encourages the member states of this organization to disincentivize known entities (state and non-state) from producing or using chemical weapons through the use of sanctions. In addition, incentives should also be implemented that encourage entities to fully declare their chemical weapon stocks. The delegation of Sri Lanka considers the Advancement of the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention essential to the protection of civilians during conflicts and a significant priority of this organization. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Agriculture development, food security and nutrition |
| Paper text: | |
| The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka understands first-hand the effect of food
insecurity. National crises such as the 27-year long civil conflict (ended in 2009) and the Sri
Lankan economic crisis have slowed down development efforts and only exacerbated poverty
and the limited access to food. Additionally, the climate emergency is preventing agricultural
development, as the frequency and intensity of floods, droughts, and landslides have increased.
Sri Lanka has attempted to rectify the growing food insecurity problem. In the past five years, the Agricultural Modernization Task Force was established to develop the agricultural sector in the hopes of increasing food supply . The task force aims to improve productivity and competitiveness in the agricultural market and establish a stronger commercial and export- oriented sector. Sri Lanka heavily imports necessary goods such as wheat and animal feed, which increases domestic costs . Localization of these agricultural goods can remove the barriers to citizen access to these products, especially since a key effect of the Sri Lankan economic crisis has been the inflation of grocery items. The delegation of Sri Lanka supports increased trade efforts and development of agricultural technology to support countries struggling with food insecurity. Many countries, like Sri Lanka, are facing food insecurity due to climate and political crises and require global assistance to rectify the growing problem. Let's focus on building the international economy while simultaneously providing resources and support to countries struggling to develop their national economies. | |
| Committee: | GA Second |
| Topic: | Development cooperation with middle-income countries |
| Paper text: | |
| Sri Lanka is classified as a lower-middle-income country, especially due to the national
economic crisis that threatens to erase years of development and poverty reduction. A decade
of fiscal and current account deficits and rising debt was only worsened by the coronavirus
pandemic, leading to a severe case of liquidity, insolvency, and high inflation . Following the
cessation of a 27-year long civil conflict in 2009, Sri Lanka experienced high levels of growth,
even achieving upper-middle-income status in 2019. But as of 2020, the Sri Lankan per capita
gross national income had fallen to 3,720 USD, below the threshold.
The government of Sri Lanka has committed itself to sustainable development by supporting prioritized sectors of the economy. Sri Lanka aims to diversify economic reliance on a few export industries, transforming Sri Lanka into a Blue-Green Economy . A Blue-Green Economy focuses on the sustainable uses of ocean and land (energy, agriculture, forestry, etc.) resources . Policies concerning climate change have spearheaded this transformation effort, which subsequently have prioritized vulnerable communities. Blue-Green economies primarily contribute to eradicating issues such as food insecurity, poverty, low employment, and political instability. However, due to Sri Lanka's economic instability, partnerships are required to execute the goals of these programs. The delegation of Sri Lanka insists that the United Nations focus on the development of middle-income countries. 75% of the world's population and 62% of the world's poor live in middle-income countries, meaning that this issue affects every person and country. The prosperity of these countries allows for a stronger international economy, where all countries can be active players. The delegation of Sri Lanka supports efforts to develop specialized economies, accounting for the diverse needs and resources of middle-income countries. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Rights of indigenous peoples |
| Paper text: | |
| The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka recognizes the importance of protecting and
promoting the rights of Indigenous peoples. Sri Lanka voted in favor of the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People adopted in 2007, affirming its commitment to
safeguarding the cultural, social, and economic rights of Indigenous communities. This non-
binding text prohibits discrimination against indigenous peoples and promotes their participation
in all matters that concern them.
In Sri Lanka, the Veddha comprise a very small community of Indigenous People who have maintained a distinct identity and traditional way of life despite centuries of external influence and modernization. The Veddha's ancestral knowledge, including sustainable practices and herbal medicine, is integral to Sri Lanka's cultural heritage. Although the community is small, Sri Lanka is committed to ensuring that the Veddha's rights are respected in accordance with international standards. | |
| Committee: | GA Third |
| Topic: | Literacy for life |
| Paper text: | |
| The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka strongly emphasizes the critical role of literacy
in promoting sustainable development and fostering social equity. Sri Lanka is proud to have one
of the highest literacy rates in South Asia, with approximately 93% of its population being literate.
This achievement is largely attributed to the government's long-standing commitment to
education, having invested in free education since 1945. This investment has enabled universal
access to primary and secondary schooling, ensuring that education remains a fundamental right
for all citizens.
Sri Lanka has consistently supported United Nations resolutions that align with its national priorities of promoting literacy. They have also collaborated with various international bodies, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Sri Lanka was honored to host the UNESCO regional seminar in 2017, which focused on Ending Impunity Against Journalists. Sri Lanka believes that the "cornerstone of any democracy is freedom of information," and has made ongoing efforts to ensure media and journalism are available for access. The delegation is committed to continuing to open opportunities for literacy growth that is available for everyone regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location. Sri Lanka also acknowledges the importance of digital literacy in the modern age. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, the government is working to launch initiatives to expand access to digital education. Through continued investment in education and active participation in international collaborations, Sri Lanka aims to ensure that literacy remains a cornerstone of its national development and a tool for empowering all citizens. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment |
| Paper text: | |
| Sri Lanka recognizes the fundamental human right to a healthy and sustainable
environment, emphasizing the need to combat desertification, improve water management,
and ensure environmental resilience in vulnerable communities. While contributing minimally
to global greenhouse gas emissions, Sri Lanka is disproportionately affected by climate
change and calls for immediate international reform.
Sri Lanka's dry zone, covering 70% of the country, is particularly vulnerable to desertification. This environmental challenge increases socio-economic inequality with women in these regions facing increased workloads, limited income opportunities, and restricted access to education and healthcare. Indigenous communities, like the Veddhas, are marginalized due to environmental degradation. Sri Lanka's environmental vulnerabilities extend to health impacts. With 69% of the population lacking access to clean cooking fuels and 37% of deaths from diarrhea linked to unsafe water and sanitation, these environmental and health concerns require urgent attention. Sri Lanka is projected to experience severe heat spells, leading to significant mortality rates among older populations. These challenges demand a climate- resilient healthcare system that integrates environmental sustainability. Sri Lanka is actively addressing environmental challenges through key initiatives such as the Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP). Funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented with UNDP support, this seven-year project aims to strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers by improving irrigation systems, drinking water infrastructure, and flood response mechanisms. By providing agriculture technology to 459,000 farmers and ensuring gender parity in representation, the project benefits over 1.9 million people. Through sustainable agriculture initiatives, Sri Lanka has empowered over 7,000 women farmers, enhancing food security and providing additional income for families. Sri Lanka promotes women's property rights and their participation in decision-making on environmental issues. Sri Lanka is committed to international environmental frameworks, including the Paris Agreement, submitting Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) to demonstrate accountability in climate action. Sri Lanka also actively participates in global discussions on sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. Sri Lanka seeks to foster global partnerships to address the impacts of climate change on its economy and environment. The delegation of Sri Lanka calls for increased international support in its sustainability efforts. Through the Paris Agreement, Sri Lanka has been scaling up its responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make changes to benefit climate change. The approach is to recognize the adaptation and mitigation strategies as beneficial rather than an obstacle we must cross. During the COP28, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed three new initiatives, a justice forum for climate change, a tropical belt initiative, and an international university for climate change. With the support of the UN, Sri Lanka hopes to reinforce these initiatives to create a more sustainable future for its people. The first step to addressing climate change is being able to understand how it affects our daily lives and the future of our children. Sri Lanka believes an integration university dedicated to this will change the landscape on climate change education. Sri Lanka has a plan it will abide by. We plan on upgrading irrigation and drinking water systems through a waste management project. We are also contemplating a solar-powered water pump that uses renewable resources. We want to preserve water security for rural communities. Sri Lanka wants to make change through policies. We plan on developing a green national tourism policy. Sri Lanka will work closely with the UN to ensure a green future. | |
| Committee: | GA Plenary |
| Topic: | Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel |
| Paper text: | |
| Sri Lanka stands firmly committed to protecting humanitarian personnel and promoting
international humanitarian law, as emphasized by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry in his
recent keynote address. As global conflicts escalate, the need for humanitarian protection is
especially important.
As a signatory to key international conventions, including the Geneva Conventions, Sri Lanka recognizes the importance of protecting humanitarian personnel in conflict and disaster- affected areas. Sri Lanka coordinates closely with the UN Department of Safety and Security and international non-governmental organizations to ensure that humanitarian workers receive the appropriate security guidance and protection necessary. In May of 2024, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 2730. The resolution urged countries to abide by and respect the UN and humanitarian personnel under international law. The resolution will assist the Department of Safety and Security in raising awareness about the need for security professionals. Sri Lanka actively engages in international discussions addressing emerging security threats to humanitarian workers. Topics such as cyber warfare, autonomous weapons, and the role of artificial intelligence are crucial areas of concern that require adaptation to new security challenges. Through participation in these dialogues, Sri Lanka demonstrates its willingness to evolve in response to new security threats. Amidst international scrutiny regarding human rights violations, Sri Lanka has taken significant steps to address these concerns. Sri Lanka established the National Action Plan for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights. This plan aims to strengthen the legal framework and institutional mechanisms necessary for protecting human rights in Sri Lanka. The creation of institutions such as the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing human rights abuses. In 2022, the HRCSL investigated 6009 cases regarding human rights complaints and remains dedicated to addressing humanitarian issues. The Sri Lankan police are given responsibility to maintain peace and order under the Ministry of Public Security. Thanks to the 11,000 members of the paramilitary Special Task Force, the streets of Sri Lanka are in safe hands. Sri Lanka's humanitarian goals include improving training for all police, military, and humanitarian personnel. To ensure the safety of UN personnel, Sri Lanka will increase the number of officers on duty and train them to be better equipped to handle danger. Additionally, officers should receive training on preventing and addressing sexual abuse. It is essential to educate individuals in positions of power on how to prevent abuse. Humanitarian personnel are there to help, and not be exploited or to exploit. These training programs can be conducted by members of the UN security and other military personnel of Sri Lanka. To further ensure the safety and security of listed individuals, Sri Lanka proposes modification of the 2017 Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse strategy. The strategy aims to end sexual abuse acts committed by humanitarian personnel in Iraq by strengthening investigations and reports. Sri Lanka's commitment to the safety and security of humanitarian personnel is reflected in its adherence to international legal frameworks, collaboration with international bodies, and proactive engagement with global security challenges. Through these comprehensive efforts, Sri Lanka seeks to ensure that aid workers can operate safely and effectively within its borders, while also contributing to the broader international humanitarian protection efforts. Sri Lanka calls for ongoing international discussions regarding humanitarian protection while also seeking the autonomy to continue addressing its domestic issues. Sri Lanka would welcome international funding to better respond to humanitarian crises. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health |
| Paper text: | |
| As the world enters a prosperous new age, it's imperative that healthcare be extended
equitably to vulnerable populations, including women and adolescents. Many women lack access
to reproductive or maternal healthcare, leading to complications during childbirth, unsafe
abortions, and obstetric health disparities. Globally, many children die from preventable causes
such as preterm birth, infectious disease, or undernourishment. These issues are of special
concern in rural areas with little to no healthcare access. Limited access to primary care
especially corresponds to proliferation of disease, substance abuse, and undernourishment.
Healthcare access for women and children, especially in rural areas, has been of particular
concern for the country of Sri Lanka, which has made strong investment into public healthcare
infrastructure and health education through initiatives such as vaccination campaigns, nutritional
programs for vulnerable populations, and improving access to rural care. These investments
have been effective, resulting in some of the lowest maternal and natal mortality rates in South
Asia.
The delegation of Sri Lanka therefore proposes commitments by member nations to participate in global vaccine-sharing programs focused on rapidly disseminating life-saving vaccinations to adolescents in order to limit the spread of infectious disease. In addition, the delegation of Sri Lanka encourages investment into primary healthcare networks, especially in rural areas through tele-medicine initiatives, promoting universal access to healthcare for vulnerable female and adolescent populations. Addressing these issues are essential to fulfilling the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and crucial to ensuring an equitable, healthier global population. | |
| Committee: | WHA |
| Topic: | Public health dimension of the world drug problem |
| Paper text: | |
| The global drug problem remains a critical public health issue affecting tens of millions of
people worldwide. This issue leads to widespread health consequences through increased
mortality, the spread of infectious disease, crime, poverty, and the breakdown of communities. Sri
Lanka has been particularly affected by the trafficking of illicit drugs due to its proximity to illicit
production and shipping centers. In response, Sri Lanka recognizes the need for a balanced
approach that includes stringent law enforcement as well as a comprehensive approach to public
health through initiatives such as prevention and harm reduction.
The delegation of Sri Lanka therefore proposes an evidence-based approach through educational and harm reduction initiatives bolstered by international and regional cooperation. Enhanced drug education and prevention initiatives, especially for youth at-risk populations are a critical element of preventing future drug use, helping to limit the spread of drug addiction. This strategy is insufficient on its own, however, as it does nothing to address those currently affected. It's also important to note that while tens of millions suffer from drug addiction, less than 10% receive any treatment, posing a significant opportunity to this issue. Harm reduction policies such as needle exchange programs and opioid substitution therapies have proven themselves as effective means of limiting the health impacts of addictive drug use, and therefore important to addressing those currently affected. Perhaps most crucial to any strategy against drug addiction is strong regional and international cooperation. This issue is irreverent of borders, and requires a unified front in order to combat this devastating issue. These strategies can help to ensure that future generations enjoy a healthier society less affected by the health impacts of addictive drug use. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1961 |
| Topic: | The Crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Paper text: | |
| The Delegation of Ceylon is deeply concerned by the growing crisis in the newly
independent Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the separatist state of Katanga.
Having only recently liberated ourselves from the iron fist of colonialism, we understand
many of the challenges facing the DRC at this time. To preserve peace and ensure a
prosperous and independent future for the people of the DRC, we suggest that the DRC,
with UN support and assistance, institute a federal state system similar to the United
States of America or the Republic of India. States, such as Katanga, within this federal
system would have considerable political and economic autonomy, while maintaining
economically valuable connections with other states in the DRC.
To establish this state, the Delegation of Ceylon supports the creation of an international cadre of bureaucrats and governing experts from many federal states across the United Nations who will operate within the DRC, training, educating, and assisting political leaders and civilians in how to create and effectively operate a civil service and federal government within a sovereign state. To ensure the safety of these foreign experts, bureaucrats, and educators, the Delegation of Ceylon supports the continued presence of UN peacekeeping forces throughout the DRC. The UN Security Council must provide these peacekeepers with detailed instructions on their role as non-aggressive security forces whose presence is primarily intended to discourage armed conflict or violence against political leaders and bureaucrats within the DRC. The Delegation of Ceylon recognizes that the situation in the DRC is rapidly developing and implores its fellow delegations to consider the importance of building a governing system with the DRC that is aligned with neither the US, nor the Soviet Union. Drawing the DRC further into conflicts between these two states could fuel further conflict in the region, leading to a long-term instability and conflict in Central Africa. The new government of the DRC must be nonaligned to ensures it sovereignty and longevity. | |
| Committee: | HSC-1961 |
| Topic: | The Situation in Latin America and the Caribbean |
| Paper text: | |
| The delegation of Ceylon is troubled to see instability in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Ceylon identifies with all nations navigating the diverse challenges of security, sovereignty, and
development. As a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, the delegation of Ceylon seeks to
advocate for policies that promote national autonomy, peaceful resolution of conflicts, and non-
interference in domestic affairs. Ceylon also recognizes the parallels between the aspirations
of post-colonial nations and the struggles faced by Latin American countries for sovereignty,
growth, and social reform.
The Latin American and Caribbean region is currently facing deep-seated social, economic, and political challenges, worsened by Cold War pressures and the lingering offenses of colonialism. Grappling with economic crises, civil-military tensions, and interference from external powers, creates an environment that is unlikely to prove successful for these nations. The delegation of Ceylon asserts that while these reforms, such as land reform, industrialization, civilian military oversight, and more, are much-needed, they must be implemented with precision and care. Therefore, the delegation of Ceylon advocates for multilateral support of economic development initiatives that enable these countries to achieve land reform, industrial growth, and social equity without imposing external ideological agendas. Assistance from the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS) should emphasize inclusive development and work to reduce dependency on any single foreign power. Another area of concern for the delegation of Ceylon is the growing divide between Cuba and the United States, intensified by Cuba's alignment with the Soviet Union, which poses a substantial threat to regional peace. As a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, Ceylon is deeply concerned with any escalating distrust. The delegation of Ceylon strongly argues for all parties to exercise restraint and pursue constructive dialogue to prevent further escalation. The situation in Cuba clearly illustrates the destabilizing impact of foreign intervention, which only heightens regional tensions. Ceylon urges all nations, especially those with strategic interests, to respect the principle of non-interference and to avoid actions that risk deepening divisions within the region. In light of Resolution 144, which deferred action on Cuba's concerns pending the OAS report, Ceylon encourages all parties to honor the appeal to de-escalate tensions and refrain from actions that could provoke further conflict. The delegation of Ceylon advocates for a diplomatic approach that places peace above ideological divides. As members of the Non-Aligned Movement, the delegation of Ceylon is committed to supporting a world order in which nations can thrive, free from external pressure. | |
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