Statement by Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka High-level Plenary Meeting to Commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 29 Sep

Statement by Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka High-level Plenary Meeting to Commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Sri Lanka welcomes the convening of this High-Level Plenary Meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. My delegation wishes to add its voice in support of the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. While reflecting the same stance in our national policy-making and endeavours, we have certain specific principles that guide our approach on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.  Nuclear weapons remain an existential threat to humanity and to international peace and security.  Sri Lanka is an island, maritime and sea-faring nation that lies at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean. For us, international and regional security is not a matter of choice, and nor is conflict. Peace and stability are an essential imperative for our collective survival and advancement. In these times of volatility, we ar...