From 24 to 26 April, UNIDIR Director Dr Robin Geiss conducted his first official visit to Sri Lanka for the launch of a unique seminar for Foreign Service Officers. The comprehensive training, made possible through the support of the Sri Lankan Government and UNIDIR’s United Nations budget subvention, aimed to enhance national capacity by equipping nearly 80 diplomats with essential knowledge on current and emerging disarmament issues.
Founded in 1980, UNIDIR was established to promote the equal participation of all States in international arms control and disarmament negotiations. The recent resolution adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly reiterated the international community’s support for the Institute and recognized its significant contribution to disarmament, as well as the ongoing and potential impact of its research, confidence-building measures and capacity-building initiatives – particularly in developing countries.
A seminar tailored for impact
Held in Colombo, this first-of-its-kind seminar provided in-depth briefings by UNIDIR Director and expert speakers. Over two days, participants covered a variety of key topics, including space security, the impact of new technologies, and the links between disarmament and international law.
The seminar highlighted Sri Lanka’s significant contributions to disarmament processes, building upon the legacy of Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala as the former UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs (1998-2003) and former UNIDIR Director (1987-1992).
Participants engaged in insightful discussions co-moderated by Dr Geiss and Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake, Director General of Human Resources and Mission Management at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The seminar was designed to empower Sri Lanka’s diplomats to play an increasingly active role in multilateral disarmament fora.
Day 1️⃣ of the UNIDIR Seminar in Colombo has come to an end! ✅
— United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (@UNIDIR) April 25, 2025
Held for the first time with diplomats from @MFA_SriLanka 🇱🇰, today’s sessions explored disarmament, WMDs, conventional weapons and novel approaches to global security.
The conversation continues tomorrow! 🗨💡 pic.twitter.com/JEn5hXRwvT
Strengthening cooperation for a safer future
During this visit, Dr Geiss met with the Honourable Minister Vijithal Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss diplomatic efforts in disarmament and international security.
The visit also provided an opportunity for UNIDIR Director to meet key Sri Lankan institutions and interlocutors to discuss potential areas of cooperation: These included Ambassador Pamela J. Deen, Director General of the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute, and Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, former Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka and Executive Director of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute.
Was pleased to meet Dr. Robin Geiss, Director @UNIDIR and reflected on Sri Lanka’s leading diplomatic efforts in Disarmament & International Security.
— Vijitha Herath (@HMVijithaHerath) April 24, 2025
Looking forward to more collaboration, in the evolving international security landscape. pic.twitter.com/4e8PajwwdF
This successful visit laid the foundation for deeper collaboration between UNIDIR and Sri Lanka, reinforcing the country’s role in shaping a safer, more secure world.