Statement by H.E. Jayantha Jayasuriya, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations

Security Council High-Level Open Debate

 “The Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain”

29 April 2026

Mr. President,

At the outset, let me thank Bahrain for convening this timely High-Level Open Debate.

As an island nation, located at the crossroads of major shipping routes in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka places priority on maritime security. The stability of our economy is deeply dependent on maritime trade.

Disruptions to key maritime corridors have shown how quickly shocks travel through the global economy. As a country heavily reliant on global trade and economic linkages and its migrant workforce, Sri Lanka remains hopeful that navigation routes will soon return to normalcy.

For developing nations like Sri Lanka, the implications are immediate and trigger uncertainties among all sectors in the country. Therefore, maritime security is essential to our existence.

The threats are serious and varied: Each weakens the maritime order on which global trade depends.

Mr. President

Route disruptions drive up shipping costs, delay deliveries, and strain the budgets of developing economies already operating on thin margins. For Sri Lanka, the pressures are felt directly.

Supplies vital for Sri Lanka’s stability and development including fertilizer, petroleum imports, the raw materials for our industries, and the food that feeds our population all move through these waterways.

International law, including UNCLOS, establishes clear rules in this regard.

We express our expectation that the free movement of vessels carrying energy, goods, and other essential services will be entrusted, thereby safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of the people across the globe.

I thank you.