Sri Lanka Ready for Greater Peacekeeping Responsibilities

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing global peace and security through principled, accountable engagement.

At the 2025 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra commended the United Nations for its unwavering efforts to maintain global peace and security amidst rising asymmetric threats and an increasingly complex operational landscape.

Speaking on behalf of the new government, Hemachandra emphasized Sri Lanka's steadfast commitment to global peace and security, bolstered by a renewed national vision and comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing professionalism and accountability across all sectors of governance, including defense.

Hemachandra highlighted the critical importance of civilian protection within UN peacekeeping operations, advocating for more robust and responsive strategies to address the growing complexities on the ground. He noted that the rapid pace of technological advancement has introduced new and sophisticated threats, necessitating adaptive and resilient peacekeeping operations to ensure effective civilian protection.

Sri Lanka is actively seeking new partnerships and opportunities to collaborate with the United Nations, member states, and regional organizations to strengthen collective capabilities and contribute meaningfully to peacekeeping efforts. 

The Deputy Minister underscored the government's commitment to empowering women in peacekeeping roles, aligning with policies to extend the retirement age in military service and promote women in leadership positions.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka's pledge to uphold the highest standards of conduct and discipline in peacekeeping operations, Hemachandra stated that Sri Lankan peacekeepers are guided by values of professionalism, integrity, and respect while serving under the United Nations flag.

Hemachandra expressed the new government's dedication to contributing more significantly to global peace and security, calling on the United Nations to consider Sri Lanka as a trusted and capable partner in advancing the shared objective of effective, responsive, and resilient peacekeeping.