Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its commitment to global disarmament, strongly opposing the use of autonomous weapons powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and advocating for peace in outer space.
Speaking at a United Nations Conference on Disarmament, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath emphasized the urgent need to address the challenges posed by AI in modern weaponry.
“The global disarmament process today faces unprecedented challenges due to the rapid development of technology, including the application of artificial intelligence in weapons systems,” Minister Herath stated.
He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s strong support for launching legally binding negotiations to ban lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) and emphasized the importance of international humanitarian law as a cornerstone of global peace and stability.
Sri Lanka’s Leadership in AI Weapons Regulation
Sri Lanka has taken a proactive stance on the issue, having been a lead sponsor of the UN General Assembly First Committee resolution on LAWS, which was adopted with overwhelming support in 2023.
The Minister also highlighted growing concerns about militarization in outer space, warning that the blurring of commercial and military activities due to advancements in space technology poses new threats to global stability.
Sri Lanka’s position aligns with international calls for responsible AI governance, reinforcing its role as a strong advocate for disarmament and peace on the global stage.
