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Lanka reaffirms its commitment to a world free of nuclear weapon tests
Sri Lanka, an early signatory to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, reiterated its commitment to a world free of nuclear weapon tests, the Foreign Ministry said.
Foreign Secretary, Aruni Wijewardane, made this affirmation, delivering the Keynote Speech at the invitation of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) at the High-Level Opening segment of the 3rd CTBTO Science Diplomacy Symposium, held in Vienna earlier last week.
Other Speakers at the High-Level Segment included Executive Secretary of the CTBTO Dr Robert Floyd, President of the UNGA Csaba Korosi, USG, and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu, and Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungong.
In her Keynote address, Foreign Secretary Wijewardane appreciated the achievements of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in advancing towards a world free of nuclear weapons testing, pending entry into force of the Treaty.
Secretary Wijewardane also highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to a world free of nuclear weapon tests as an early signatory to the CTBT since 1996. Sri Lanka also participates in the CTBT’s verification regime through the Facility Agreement with the auxiliary seismological station at Pallekele.
The Symposium was attended by over 250 participants from around 80 countries, including scientists, experts, civil society and diplomats. The Sri Lanka delegation to the Symposium included Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka in Vienna Majintha Jayesinghe and the Mission staff, and representation from the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, Sri Lanka.
On the sidelines of the Symposium, Foreign Secretary met Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) Dr. Robert Floyd and discussed matters of mutual interest in relation to the Treaty, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Foreign Secretary Wijewardena also met Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi and expressed appreciation for IAEA’s direct technical support, research and development, capacity building and expertise provided to Sri Lanka under the Technical Cooperation Programme for 2019-2025.Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka in Vienna Majintha Jayesinghe and the Mission staff were associated with the meetings.
Latest News
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.
In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused a significant rise in the water level of the Mahaweli River, washed large quantities of debris, including logs and bamboo, downstream. These remain lodged in the Diyakapanathota in Gatambe, Peradeniya and Lewella bridges, obstructing the smooth flow of water.
Acting promptly upon request, a Navy diving team executed a coordinated operation in collaboration with the Road Development Authority. The team removed the accumulated debris, restoring normal water flow through the bridges.
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Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
Navy clears major bridge obstructions in Peradeniya and Lewella
Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
Trump says US launched large-scale attacks on ISIL in Syria
Showers will occur in the Eastern, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, Uva and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa district
PM says govt. will introduce a new Constitution to abolish executive presidency
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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