🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Reaffirms Commitment to Ban Cluster Munitions at UN Review Conference

Sri Lanka has reiterated its strong support for the humanitarian targets of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) at the Third Review Conference in Vientiane, Lao PDR (14–18 September 2026). Head of Delegation Ms. Manisha Gunasekera condemned any global use of cluster munitions and urged an immediate end to their production and transfer. • Key Highlights & Diplomacy - Reaffirmed full commitment to eliminating global threats from cluster munitions and unexploded remnants. - Highlighted Sri Lanka’s historical leadership, including its 2018 accession, 2019 Presidency of the Ninth Meeting, and 4 consecutive years as Bureau Vice-President. - Welcomed new member states—Nigeria, South Sudan, Vanuatu, and Timor-Leste—to the Convention. • Policy Frameworks & Development Alignment - Endorsed the Vientiane Capital Action Plan (VCAP) 2027–2031 to guide national and global efforts over the next 5 years. - Advocated for survivor-centred approaches to integrate victims into national disability, health, and social welfare frameworks. - Supported aligning clearance activities with climate-risk assessments, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and UN agendas on youth, peace, and security. • International Cooperation Needs - Called for practical progress tracking and simplified reporting mechanisms for affected nations with administrative constraints. - Requested international technical support and capacity-building for survivor support, clearance, and stockpile destruction.