Reaching Critical Will

Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Conference on Disarmament

General Assembly First Committee

UN Disarmament Commission

Special Session on Disarmament

Statement by Ambassador Dayan Jayatilleka of Sri Lanka to the Conference on Disarmament 19th August 2008

Unofficial Transcript

Thank you your Excellency

While I wish to associate myself with those who thanked your predecessor Ambassador Rocca, what I could consider an exemplary guiding of our deliberations during her stewardship, I also wish to join, especially my colleague of Brazil, in welcoming you, the ambassador of Venezuela to the chairmanship of the CD.

Sri Lanka has the highest regard for the Republic of Venezuela, for its leadership and its revolutionary process. We are also happy that Latin America is in a state of creative and constructive ferment providing social and democratic alternative to the crisis that the world is enveloped in.

As such, Sri Lanka is convinced that under your chairmanship, a fresh spirit, a new perspective will be brought about, and you will be able to synthesize the different sometimes contradictory views that have been aired in their forum particularly in relation to the program of work.

I wish you all the best and congratulate you on your assumption of the chair.

Thank you.