SRI LANKA PARTICIPATED THE 27TH ANNUAL MEETING OF NATIONAL AUTHORITIES (AMNA)

The National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) of Sri Lanka participated in the 27th Annual Meeting of National Authorities (AMNA), held from 19–21 November 2025 at the Headquarters of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague. Air Vice Marshal Shehan Wijayanayake, Director of NACWC Sri Lanka, represented the country at this important global gathering, which brought together more than 230 participants from OPCW Member States to strengthen national implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and to enhance cooperation in addressing chemical safety and security challenges.

Opening the meeting, OPCW Director-General Ambassador Fernando Arias emphasized the value of uniting National Authorities to promote shared responsibility in implementing the Convention. He noted that in an increasingly strained global security environment, the OPCW’s mission remains vital. “The National Authorities Meeting fosters collaboration and dialogue and reinforces the foundation for achieving our shared objective: a world forever free of chemical weapons,” he stated.

This annual meeting continued to function as a dynamic platform for communication and collaboration between National Authorities and the OPCW Technical Secretariat. It encouraged cooperation at national and regional levels, helped strengthen important partnerships, and provided opportunities for aligning capacity-building initiatives with the evolving needs of Member States.

A major focus of this year’s sessions was the enhancement of national legislatives and enforcement frameworks under Article VII of the Convention. Discussions highlighted the development of robust legal mechanisms required for States Parties to fulfill their obligations and close implementation gaps. Talgat Toleubayev, Regional Coordinator for Southeast and Eastern Europe at UNICRI, stressed the importance of accountability systems, noting that they safeguard due process and ensure fair adjudication of alleged violations of the Convention.

Participants also explored the growing impact of emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence on chemical safety, security, and non-proliferation. While AI presents opportunities for improving administrative efficiency, it can simultaneously pose risks if misused to undermine verification systems. The importance of strengthening national capacities to prevent illicit transfers of toxic chemicals and leveraging technology for enhanced verification was also addressed.

A significant highlight for Sri Lanka was the bilateral meeting between Air Vice Marshal Shehan Wijayanayake and Ms. Rebecca Eapen, Head of the OPCW Assistance and Protection Branch. During the discussion, the Director underscored Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening national preparedness and response capabilities. Notably, Ms. Eapen and the Director agreed to explore the hosting of an Assistance and Protection Programme in Sri Lanka in the upcoming year, marking an important opportunity for capacity development and regional engagement. This proposed programme would further enhance the country’s technical readiness to manage chemical emergencies while supporting broader CWC implementation objectives.

In addition, the Director, NACWC Sri Lanka held a constructive discussion with Mr. Li Zhao, Head of International Cooperation, focusing on strengthening collaboration and exploring new avenues of engagement between the OPCW and Sri Lanka with regard to Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.

Furthermore, NACWC Sri Lanka remains committed to working closely with the OPCW to strengthen national compliance, enhance chemical safety and security, and advance initiatives that support global non-proliferation efforts.