The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons Convention (OPCW) 23rd Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia was held in New Delhi, India, from 01 to 03 July 2025. Representing Sri Lanka, Air Vice Marshal Shehan Wijayanayake, The Director of the National Authority for Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) under the Ministry of Defence, participated in this significant regional event.

The meeting provided a vital platform for National Authorities to discuss their national, sub-regional, and regional experiences in implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Delegates shared needs, priorities, best practices, and actions taken to strengthen chemical safety and security frameworks within their respective countries.

During the programme, the Director of the National Authority for Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) of Sri Lanka participated in a panel discussion alongside representatives from Malaysia, highlighting the success of the Mentor Partnership Programme (MPP) and exploring its future direction. This engagement underscored the strong bilateral collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the two countries.

During the panel discussion, Sri Lanka’s intention to host an Assistance and Protection Basic Course in the coming year was highlighted, along with ongoing efforts to establish Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) analytical capabilities in collaboration with the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) of Sri Lanka. These initiatives reflect Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation with the support of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).