Position Papers by Country

Position paper for Sri Lanka

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	Reducing space threats through norms, rules and principles of responsible behaviours
Paper text:
All nations have an obligation to protect the planet from potential threats, especially in regards to space, as any harm to the Earth's atmosphere is a harm to all humans. Disasters caused by unregulated corporations, governments, and organizations in regards to artificial satellites in space is a severe threat to all Member States. Threats produced by unregulated and harmful space activities will disproportionately harm developing states, especially environmentally. Sri Lanka is committed to ensuring the safety of small and developing states from potential dangers unregulated space actions will have on the environment and humanity as a whole. Despite its small size on a world scale, Sri Lanka has contributed significantly to developments in the space sector, mainly highlighted by the first satellite Sri Lanka launched into space in 2019 (Raavana-1). Sri Lanka has also signed onto many treaties to mitigate space threats, such as the Outer Space Treaty and the Liability Convention. These treaties have committed signatories to maintain space exploration for solely peaceful purposes, forbidding any one nation from claiming space as its own territory. They have also contributed to holding corporations liable for the damage caused by corporations or governments, but these may not be enough for the ever- developing nature of space law. To prevent the future destruction of life on Earth and the environment, Sri Lanka recommends states to cooperate in developing a framework to hold corporations and governments accountable for actions in space, while not hindering the development of states and science in general. Specific actions that Sri Lanka wishes to contribute to building a sustainable space framework include: ensuring space remains unmilitarized by any state (space militarization would endanger international security and significantly increase threats to all states; this includes the prevention of anti-satellite missiles and attacks on another state's satellites), the safe destruction of defunct/inoperative satellites to prevent dangers to the environment from negligent disposal, the creation of a limit on how many satellites one state (or corporation) is allowed to release into space, and to promote communication between all states to improve international collaboration through satellite data. One action that Sri Lanka is looking forward to collaborating with other Member States on during the conference is what exactly this framework would look like, and what steps need to be taken to improve these ideas to ensure national sovereignty is not overlooked. Sri Lanka is also looking forward to diplomatically engaging with other states to develop a better understanding of how corporations could be held accountable, especially with the current international scale of many corporations.

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects
Paper text:
Sri Lanka is committed to the prevention of illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, highlighting the large negative impact SALW have had on Sri Lankan society. Around the world, illicit trade in SALW has contributed to destruction resulting from an increase in political violence and conflict zones. In Sri Lanka, trafficking of small arms and light weapons has contributed significantly to deaths and violence caused by insurgent groups and terrorist organizations. Furthermore, increased political violence in Sri Lanka has necessitated political leaders arming themselves and seeking the protection of bodyguards, and the state has given small arms and light weapons to these individuals to defend against potential threats. However, there is little accountability after politicians or body guards leave their office, contributing significantly to the trafficking of SALW. Previous attempts to limit the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons has come in the form of the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, a global organization that has created a framework to combat the effects of proliferation of SALW. The Programme of Action collects data based on reports submitted by Member States, but only relatively large States have the resources to consecutively report on these issues, so the creation of a more inclusive framework would be ideal for Sri Lanka and other small States. Furthermore, a major hindering factor on combatting SALW trafficking is a lack of cooperation between States, as border insecurity leads to criminal organizations easily bypassing customs enforcement. Overall, Sri Lanka will promote a framework that includes measures to combat organized crime, comprehensive surrender of SALW by politicians/bodyguards after their service is over, and inclusion of small States in tracking measures to prevent the worldwide destruction that the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons has caused.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Role of the United Nations in promoting development in the context of globalization and interdependence
Paper text:
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is working towards sustainability within our borders with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals. Using the goals of improved data, knowledge management, and evidence-based policy, strengthened innovative public institutions and engagement towards a lasting peace. We recognize the opportunities and challenges brought by globalization. Regional integration and trade agreements can bring inclusive growth, yet trade liberalization can pose negative consequences on local industry and vulnerable sectors. The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka supports the United Nations' role in fostering development through improved data systems, evidence-based policy, and strengthened public institutions. In the 2023-2027 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), we emphasise innovation, peacekeeping, and inclusive recovery. We urge the UN to expand support for building infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and fair trade access for developing nations As a member of the Non-Allied Movement and the Group of 77(G77), we hope for global reforms in the global economic system to better serve the Global South. For this to happen, South-to-South cooperation is necessary to build solidarity in developing nations and enhance their bargaining power in global markets. Per the General Assembly resolution A/74/239, we call for inclusive multilateralism that ensures no country is left behind in the global economy.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Protection of global climate for present and future generations of humankind
Paper text:
As an island country that is on the top 10 list of countries susceptible to climate change, we hope to improve climate resilience and lower carbon emissions. Rising sea levels, extreme weather, and the loss of biodiversity threaten the livelihoods and safety of the people of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Through signing the Paris agreement and the 2023 – 2050 Sri Lanka Clean Net-Zero Roadmap, which focuses on forestry, Energy, Transport, Industry, Waste, and Agriculture, we hope to increase forest cover to 32% by 2030 and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 14.5% through initiatives in the energy, transport, and industry sectors. We support General Assembly resolution A/RES/79/206, which calls upon member states to uphold international climate agreements and take decisive action to protect the planet for future generations. We urge expanded support for climate adaptation, technology transfer, and fair climate finance, especially for island nations and developing economies.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination
Paper text:
As a nation formerly under colonial rule, the Republic of Sri Lanka understands the necessity of self-determination intimately. First from the Portuguese (1505-1658), then the Dutch (1658–1796), and finally the British (1796–1900), Sri Lanka is no stranger to incursions on its society, economy, and culture; it believes deeply in the ability of nations to self-determination. It is a right that the United Nations prioritizes at the highest level, and appears in the very first article of the UN charter. The UN states its aim to “develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace.” (Art. 1 (2) UN Charter). This focus on self-determination in response to the mass decolonization following the Second World War is an incredibly personal and pertinent goal to aspire towards.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Improvement of the situation of women and girls in rural areas
Paper text:
Sri Lanka, as one of the 189 signatories of the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, is dedicated fully to the national and global progress of women. The Declaration, “...the world’s most comprehensive, visionary plan ever created to achieve the equal rights of ALL women and girls”, according to the UN Sustainable Development Group, cements Sri Lanka’s commitment to ensuring protections and support for women and girls. That being said, it recognizes the recent crises from the past decade and the added pressure and strain that instability has caused Sri Lankan citizens and communities, and the additional burden women and girls in rural areas have had to endure: namely, the 2022 economic crisis following COVID-19, in addition to continued climate volatility due to climate change. Even with these challenges, Sri Lanka has championed international women’s rights at every opportunity and looks forward to reasserting itself as a leader in equal rights and suffrage.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	Our ocean, our future, our responsibility
Paper text:
The Government of Sri Lanka recognizes that the health of the ocean is directly tied to the health of humanity. As an island nation situated in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka depends on the sea for its food security, trade, and economic development. However, increasing marine pollution, rising sea levels, and the overexploitation of marine resources threaten the delicate balance of this shared ecosystem. The Government firmly believes that the ocean’s well-being is a collective global responsibility that transcends borders and political divisions.Sri Lanka aligns its policy with the principles set forth in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. The Government has undertaken several national initiatives to promote ocean sustainability, including banning single-use plastics, restoring mangrove ecosystems, strengthening coral reef conservation, and enhancing coastal resource management. Sri Lanka’s National Policy on the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Marine and Coastal Resources emphasizes the sustainable use of maritime areas to balance environmental protection and economic growth. Regionally, Sri Lanka participates in the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme to promote collaboration in marine research and pollution control. The Government believes that small islands and developing coastal nations require equitable access to financial support and marine technology to meet conservation targets. Sri Lanka, therefore, supports enhanced international partnerships that promote scientific research, data sharing, and the establishment of marine protected areas. The preservation of the ocean is not merely an environmental issue, it is the foundation for peace, stability, and shared prosperity for generations to come.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	Strengthening of the coordination of emergency humanitarian assistance of the United Nations
Paper text:
The Government of Sri Lanka views humanitarian coordination as vital to global stability and human dignity. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami demonstrated the necessity of swift and organized international assistance. The support mobilized through the United Nations, especially the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, saved countless lives and helped rebuild affected communities. This experience strengthened Sri Lanka’s belief in collective multilateral action to address global crises. Sri Lanka upholds the framework of General Assembly Resolution 46/182 and the principles of impartiality, humanity, and neutrality in the delivery of aid. The Government aligns national disaster management with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, integrating early warning systems, preparedness, and long-term recovery. The Disaster Management Centre leads these efforts and collaborates with UN partners such as the World Food Programme, UNDP, and UNICEF to ensure efficient, transparent assistance. As climate change increases the frequency and severity of disasters, Sri Lanka supports enhancing early warning networks, empowering local responders, and ensuring equitable access to the Central Emergency Response Fund. Humanitarian aid must prioritize vulnerable populations, especially women, children, and displaced persons. In a time of constrained resources, cooperation and shared responsibility are essential to ensure that no state faces disaster alone. Sri Lanka remains committed to working within the United Nations framework to strengthen global preparedness and uphold the principles of compassion, efficiency, and unity in all humanitarian efforts.

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