Statement by H.E. Mohan Peiris, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations
at the Substantive Session of the UN Disarmament Commission

 

Mr. Chair `SriLanka congratulates South Africa on assuming the Chair and appreciates the commendable contribution made by outgoing Chair, Australia.  I assure the Chair and the newly elected Bureau the fullest support of my delegation in the  discharge of the responsibilities bestowed on you by this august assembly.

Mr. Chair

We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Indonesia on behalf of the NAM.  

Mr. Chair

Sri Lanka wishes to underscore the importance of the UNDC in contributing to the core of the disarmament machinery, which provides the significance to various problems in the field of disarmament and considers elements that could draw out a comprehensive program of action, through a context specific lens. In this context, Sri Lanka believes that this deliberation to drive the discussions to augment results oriented, viable recommendations for action, could serve tangibly to present global realities. We support that such initiative to strike a balance, by incorporating a full  range of opinions, with flexibility and achieve concrete and tangible results. Sri Lanka also wishes to underscore that there had been a slow pace in reaching intended goals since the UNDC Session in 1999.  In the light of this, we believe that this session should strive to deliver a set of substantive recommendations, to achieve universal peace and security.  

Madam Chair disarmament and arms control will  envisage an integral part of the collective security system set out in the UN charter, which was designed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. Since 1945 disarmament efforts have been pursued towards achieving a negotiated reduction in armaments amongst all states as a means to avoid recourse to the use of force in international relations. In practice, however, the maintenance and restoration of international peace and security has required the continued existence of efficient and forces. Where is disarmament is related to the reduction perhaps even the total abolition of a category of weapons, arms control  was developed in the context of nuclear deterrence, which characterizes the bipolar approaches, a confrontation between the super powers during the Cold War. I won’t be wrong to perhaps to say that the tensions still exist in what I would describe as a cold piece which it is said on the edge of an abyss. Taking cognizance that the objectives of the convention for the control of arms was with a View two stabilization of the security environment, and that search agreements include measures on agreed limitations on certain amendments or the freezing of the numbers at an agreed level. The result was that cooperation reciprocity and inclusiveness reduced the risk of surprise or an attack accidentally. It is your task to ensure that there is a continued strong call for disarmament as the response or the outcome of a broad strategy for peace as a rule. The United Nations charter recognizes that a certain relationship exists between the level of armaments and the establishment of international peace and security. What we see however  is most often on the regulation of arms rather than on disarmament as such it must be observed that the United Nations charter does not impose upon the members the obligation to reduce their armaments. This is an aspect that we need to work on tenaciously as the planet be placed in peril of the ultimate disaster of a complete destruction of life upon earth which is our only home.
It must be appreciated that the UNGA has a position of monopoly in relation to disarmament. It’s abundant practice has contributed to successes in specific areas but has also resulted in reduced efficacy of the numerous and often redundant resolutions due to the lack of clarity and at times less than coherent messages this is another aspect that we need to give our mind to.

Mr. Chair

Today nuclear weapons remain as an existential threat to all mankind.  As we begin this session today, the Disarmament Commission is entering a challenging and intense time in the global arena. In this context, Sri Lanka believes that the Disarmament Commission has potential to give a strong message to the world by building its intended action, through the existing disarmament machinery.  This can be achieved through producing actionable results, through achieving consensus, to leads progress and by addressing new and acute challenges in important areas.

Mr. Chair

It is important that we give our fullest efforts to address the needs for simultaneous progress to multiple questions.  We need to tackle new trends and technologies that threaten the stability of the world. This universal body must bring in transparency, unity on matters of strategic security, build and nourish the issues and solutions through dialogue that is needed to balance the contending visions.  UNDC should continue in consultations to ensure that this world is free from conflict.  

Mr. Chair

Sri Lanka attaches great importance to the work of the United Nations Disarmament Commission. Hence, it is imperative that we find concrete results to the most acute challenges ahead in the current United Nations Disarmament Commission Cycle.   Current challenges that are visible in the weapons of mass destructions, threats in outer space have increased drastically. In this backdrop, building international cooperation and diplomacy is vital to secure peace and security.  Sri Lanka is of the view that NPT Treaty Review conference serves as a Forum to bring in a balanced, concrete steps for disarmament, non-proliferation and promotion of peaceful uses.  For this Sri Lanka stands ready to contribute in a tangible way, towards the success of the 10th NPT Review Conference which is scheduled to be held in August 2022.  

Mr. Chair

As the country that tables the traditional First Committee Resolution on PAROS with Egypt each year, we regard this Forum as an important platform to find convergence on critical issues. It is important that all countries render its best efforts to contribute towards achieving substantive progress on a verifiable multilateral agreement on PAROS.  Time is ripe for such legally binding document to counter threats from developing and preventing of militarization of outer space.

Mr. Chair

Strengthening the disarmament treaty regime remains key, to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction. In order to achieve the ultimate goal, states must stand by their obligations to negotiate in good faith, to achieve the objectives and paramount value of multilateralism.  

Mr. Chair

Sri Lanka recognizes the importance for state parties to undertake concrete measures to strengthen national and international efforts to eliminate threats posed by conventional weapons. We reiterate on the danger posed by conventional weapons, which has led to an alarming number of deaths and injuries, in particular among vulnerable sections of the society. In that context, it is important to effectively control the circulation of conventional arms and illicit trade of arms, through confidence building measures, at all levels and place collective efforts to strengthen international peace, by narrowing the gap between divergent views existing in that field.

Mr. Chair

Strong linkage between confidence building measures, such as these Forums can contribute in narrowing gaps, through discussions that could lead to productive research outcomes. Research can bring in realistic and pragmatic recommendations to find solutions. Hence, Sri Lanka wishes to emphasize and commend the work carried out by the United Nations Disarmament Research which has a broad representation to carry out effective research to contribute effective recommendations to address the existing challenges.  It would not be an exaggeration to say that great expectations exist with regard to the initiatives of the United Nations to launch a new agenda for disarmament as securing our common future for a safe and peaceful the planet that we can live in peaceful co- existence.

Mr Chair

Sri Lanka hope that this Substantive Session will bring in constructive deliberations which would be imperative to underscore the role played by this United Nations Disarmament Commission, as an important organ that is dedicated to advocate the disarmament machinery, to strengthen peace, stability and security in the world.

Thank you.