Statement by Sri Lanka at the Fourth Committee – Comprehensive Review of the Whole Question of Peacekeeping Operations in all their aspects
80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly: 10 November 2025
Mr. Chair
Modern conflicts are increasingly defined by asymmetric threats, where adversaries, most often non-state actors, rely on unconventional tactics to exploit vulnerabilities and inflict devastating consequences. As a result, United Nations Peace Operations are today expected to confront a broader spectrum of non-traditional challenges, ranging from terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime to cyber warfare, the use of drones, and other emerging technological threats.
The nature of conflict has become too complex for traditional methods of resolution to remain sufficient. Future peacekeeping mandates must therefore be innovative, adaptable, and forward-looking, capable of responding to multifaceted and rapidly evolving threats. The development of predictive capabilities systems that can anticipate emerging risks, enabling missions to be proactive rather than reactive, is also equally important.
Mr. Chair,
Sri Lanka believes that peacekeeping mandates must be robust and designed to ensure the effective protection of civilians. Strong mandates, coupled with clear and enforceable Rules of Engagement, enhance mission credibility and empower peacekeepers to prevent violence, deter aggressors, and respond proactively to threats on the ground. We are further of the view that peacekeeping operations must be more resilient, as rapid response and adaptability have become critical for operational success in today’s complex security landscape. In this context, the ability to rapidly deploy troops capable of responding swiftly to crises with minimal environmental footprint has become an operational imperative for modern peacekeeping.
Peacekeeping mandates should also include more effective mechanisms for the disarmament of unauthorized armed groups. A well-defined, enforceable disarmament framework supported by adequate resources and political commitment will significantly reduce the influence of non-state actors, create conditions conducive to reconciliation, and help lay the foundation for lasting peace.
At the same time, Sri Lanka stresses the importance of clearly defining the benchmarks and timelines for mission transitions and drawdowns. Such conditions must be based on objective assessments and comprehensive evaluations. Abrupt or premature withdrawals not only risk destabilizing fragile contexts but may also trigger humanitarian catastrophes and impose unnecessary financial losses on troop and police contributing countries. A carefully sequenced and sustainable handover process is therefore critical to long-term stability.
Mr. Chair,
In the context of modern conflict, digital platforms play a pivotal role in shaping narratives and influencing behaviour. The unchecked spread of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech on social media has become a major driver of polarization, radicalization, and violence. These digital threats can undermine peace processes, erode trust, and jeopardize both civilian safety and the security of peacekeepers.
Sri Lanka also remains deeply concerned about the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers, particularly in view of the increasing number of direct attacks against them. Between 2015 and mid-2025, UN peacekeeping operations recorded a sharp rise in fatalities from direct attacks, with over 270 deaths, making the present decade the deadliest since the 1990s. Sri Lanka underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to ensure their protection, including robust preventive mechanisms, as well as effective accountability for those responsible for such attacks.
Mr. Chair
Sri Lanka believes that capacity building in host nations should remain a central priority. Peacekeeping should not only deliver immediate security but also strengthen governance institutions and the rule of law. For this reason, Sri Lanka underscores the importance of systematically integrating peacebuilding with peacekeeping, ensuring that both are pursued in parallel, guided by clearly defined objectives, and implemented cohesively at every level from strategic planning to field operations.
Sri Lanka strongly believes in the importance of ensuring women’s meaningful participation in peace operations. This must not be limited to administrative or support functions. Women should be actively deployed in robust roles such as patrols, quick reaction forces, intelligence gathering, and frontline operations. Their inclusion enriches operational effectiveness, ensures missions are more representative, and strengthens the ability of peacekeepers to address the diverse needs of affected communities.
Mr. Chair,
Liquidity remains a major challenge in the effective delivery of mandated objectives in peace operations. It is therefore imperative that mandates are aligned with realistic resourcing and supported by adequate and predictable funding. The persistent gap between ambitious mandates and insufficient resources undermines mission credibility, heightens the risk of failure, and places an undue burden on troop- and police-contributing countries. Peace operations should focus on achievable objectives, allocate resources strategically, and address the root causes of conflict through better integration and coordination of peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts.
Sri Lanka also wishes to emphasize that the performance, professionalism, and discipline of peacekeepers must remain the primary criteria for recognition and for opportunities in future deployments. We must ensure that contributions are not overlooked due to geopolitical considerations. Such practices not only undermine fairness but also discourage those countries that consistently demonstrate commitment and excellence in the field. An impartial, merit-based approach to evaluating peacekeeping contributions is crucial for maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of United Nations operations.
Mr. Chair,
Sri Lanka recalls with pride that over the past six decades, more than 25,000 Sri Lankan peacekeepers have served in the noble cause of global peace, including in missions facing severe challenges and dangers such as those in Mali, Haiti, the Central African Republic, and Lebanon. Sri Lanka pays tribute to all peacekeepers for their unwavering commitment and selflessness in the service of peace and security.
As a longstanding and steadfast contributor to United Nations peacekeeping operations, Sri Lanka reaffirms its enduring commitment to the principles of multilateralism and international solidarity. Our peacekeepers have stood shoulder to shoulder with the international community in protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and creating conditions necessary for durable peace. Even in the face of escalating challenges from asymmetric warfare to digital threats, Sri Lanka will continue to extend its support and commitment to the cause of peace.
While honouring the memory of all peacekeepers who have made the supreme sacrifice in the noble cause of peace, we must transform this tribute into action. It is our collective responsibility to strengthen peace operations, protect vulnerable communities in conflict-affected regions, and address the root causes of instability. With shared determination, we can overcome the challenges of modern conflict and lay the foundations for a future defined by hope, resilience, and lasting peace.
Thank you.