Regional Conference on Advancing Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) Implementing Legislation in Asia Held in Colombo
December 15, 2025The Regional Conference on Advancing Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) Implementing Legislation in Asia was successfully held from 09 to 11 December (2025) at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, Colombo. This international conference was hosted by the National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) under the Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
This programme brought together representatives from the Asia region, including Bhutan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands, State of Palestine, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Sri Lanka. The conference provided an important platform for participating States to discuss national experiences, challenges, and best practices related to the development and strengthening of legislative frameworks for effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Additional Secretary (Defence Services) of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Saman Dissanayake; the Director General of the United Nations and Human Rights Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Dayani Mendis. The Director of NACWC Sri Lanka, Air Vice Marshal Shehan Wijayanayake delivered the opening remarks, and highlighted the importance of robust national implementing legislation, inter-agency coordination, and regional cooperation in achieving the objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Throughout the three-day conference, participants engaged in interactive sessions, expert presentations, and group discussions facilitated by the programme officers of OPCW. The deliberations focused on enhancing legislative preparedness, sharing practical tools and models, strengthening institutional coordination, and building national capacity to address emerging challenges related to chemical safety and security.
The conference further contributed to strengthening regional cooperation and mutual understanding among National Authorities and relevant stakeholders, reaffirming the collective commitment of participating States to the full and effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention across Asia.
The NACWC Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to supporting OPCW initiatives and promoting regional and international cooperation in advancing chemical disarmament, safety, and security.
