Ninth Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (BMS 9): 01 June 2026
Mr. Chair,
The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons continues to fuel conflict and undermine sustainable development. Their accessibility and widespread availability allow violence to deteriorate across societies and exact a profound human cost. Lives are cut short, families are torn apart, and communities are deprived of the opportunity to thrive in peace. We must not lose sight of the human consequences we see all too often.
Sri Lanka attaches great importance to the effective implementation of the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument. We welcome the consensual adoption of the outcome document of the Fourth Review Conference on the Programme of Action as an important step in strengthening international efforts and advance cooperation to address the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
The primary responsibility for preventing the illicit transfer and diversion of such weapons rests with States. This requires national measures and real political will. In order to prevent weapons from falling into the wrong hands, we need effective stockpile management, secure storage practices, accurate record-keeping, and robust systems of marking and tracing.
Sri Lanka continues to strengthen institutional and operational measures in these areas. Particular emphasis is placed on effective management, storage, issuance, accounting, and oversight of state-held small arms and light weapons through accountability procedures and regular auditing mechanisms. Institutional safeguards are in place to prevent unauthorized access, loss, theft, or diversion of weapons and ammunition from military stocks, including inventory controls, periodic audits, and disciplinary mechanisms. The military personnel are also provided with adequate training in the lawful use of force, Rules of Engagement, and applicable national and international legal standards, including obligations relating to the prevention of illicit arms proliferation.
We also recognize the growing value of modern technologies in improving oversight and traceability. Digital systems and monitoring tools can strengthen weapons management and improve efforts to prevent diversion.
Mr. Chair,
As an island nation situated along vital maritime routes in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is acutely aware of the threats posed by illicit trafficking networks that increasingly exploit evolving technologies and transnational criminal channels. Addressing these challenges requires stronger information-sharing, improved tracing capacities, and closer cooperation among States and relevant institutions.
National ownership remains fundamental. However, no State can confront these challenges alone. Developing countries continue to face difficulties in accessing the resources, technology, and expertise necessary for the full implementation of commitments under the Programme of Action. In this regard, Sri Lanka has benefited from practical capacity-building initiatives, including cooperation with the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Development in Asia and the Pacific to enhance national capacities related to the safe and secure management of state-held weapons.
Sri Lanka, therefore, reiterates the importance of strengthening international cooperation and capacity-building support, including the establishment of a standing fellowship training programme on small arms and light weapons, and enhanced technical and financial assistance to support developing countries in translating commitments into action.
Mr. Chair,
The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons affects us all and requires a collective response. Sri Lanka remains committed to working constructively with all partners to strengthen implementation at the national, regional, and international levels in pursuit of more peaceful and secure societies.
I thank you.