07/09/2026
OPCW 24th Regional Meeting of National Authorities in Asia on the Chemical Weapons Convention
The 24th Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia, organized by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 01 to 03 September 2026. Rear Admiral Hasantha Dassanaike, Director of the National Authority for Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) under the Ministry of Defence, represented Sri Lanka at this important regional forum.
The meeting provided a valuable platform for National Authorities to exchange experiences, best practices, priorities and challenges in strengthening the national implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), as well as chemical safety, security and emergency preparedness.
During the meeting, the Director of the NACWC delivered a presentation titled “Sri Lanka’s Experience, Challenges and Priorities in CWC National Implementation”. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s longstanding commitment to the CWC, progress in national implementation, the established national implementation framework, and key initiatives undertaken to strengthen institutional capacity.
The presentation also highlighted the OPCW Regional Conference on Advancing CWC Implementing Legislation in Asia, hosted by Sri Lanka in Colombo in December 2025, and the establishment of the STRATLINK digital platform in 2026 to facilitate licensing recommendations in collaboration with the Department of Imports and Exports of Sri Lanka.
Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening chemical emergency preparedness and response, addressing emerging challenges, and advancing Sri Lanka’s priorities for 2026–2028. The Director also outlined areas for enhanced regional and OPCW cooperation, including opportunities for Sri Lanka to share its experience and contribute to regional capacity building.
Concluding his presentation, the Director reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s firm commitment to the object and purpose of the CWC and emphasized the importance of sustained regional cooperation, capacity building and international partnerships in achieving the shared objective of a world free of chemical weapons.
