Vienna, 10 December 2022 (TDI): The Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka, Aruni Wijewardane at the event delivered a keynote speech on the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).
In her keynote speech, Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane appreciated the works and achievements of the CTBT in advancing towards a world free of nuclear weapons testing.
He added that Sri Lanka is totally against the use of nuclear weapons and always advocates for world-free nuclear weapon testing. This is due to their commitment to the signatory to the CTBT since 1996.
Also, she entreated the powerful nations who use nuclear weapons as a threat to stop it as it may cause harm to global peace. She emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence should be key and appreciated among countries.
The event had over 250 attendees from around 80 countries including experts from various fields and stakeholders.
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On the sidelines of the events, she also met with other people some of which included the Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Robert Floyd.
During their meeting, they discussed issues concerning the ability to be able to get the treaty working and how to get countries to agree on these terms. The need to implement the treaty was a major concern for them as a body.
In response, Robert Floyd assured her of his commitment to the cause and agenda of the organization and is ready to work hard for its success.
In this vein, he stated that countries who prefer using nuclear weapons as a way to get things done will be addressed in this context.
The Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka, Aruni Wijewardane also met with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi.
She expressed her joy at the support the IAEA offered to Sri Lanka stating that, they will continue to work closely with them as they seek to strengthen the technical cooperation program for the 2019-2025 agenda.
