In a significant milestone for international diplomacy and human rights advocacy, Sri Lanka officially assumed the presidency of the nineteenth session of the Conference of States Parties (CoSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on June 18, 2026. Held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the commencement of this session was marked by a profound sense of historical gravity, as the global community gathered to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Convention’s inception. The election of Sri Lanka to this prestigious role is widely regarded as a testament to the nation’s enduring commitment to the principles of inclusion, dignity, and the universal protection of the rights of all individuals, particularly those living with disabilities.
The opening session was presided over by His Excellency Ambassador Jayantha Jayasuriya, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations. Under his stewardship, the conference witnessed a record-breaking level of participation, with the highest number of speakers ever registered for the General Debate in the history of the CRPD. This surge in engagement underscores the increasing global urgency to address the systemic barriers and social inequalities that continue to confront persons with disabilities in an ever-evolving geopolitical and technological landscape.
A Historic Anniversary and Global Leadership
The 19th session of the Conference of States Parties was convened at a juncture of immense symbolic and practical importance. As the world reflects upon two decades of progress since the adoption of the CRPD, the leadership provided by Sri Lanka serves as a pivotal bridge between past achievements and future aspirations. Ambassador Jayantha Jayasuriya, in his inaugural address, articulated a vision for a world that is fundamentally free from exploitation, violence, and the abuse of persons with disabilities. He noted that while the Convention has been instrumental in shifting the global perception of disability from one of charity to one of human rights, much work remains to be done to ensure that these rights are fully realised in every corner of the globe.
The Opening Session was attended by several high-ranking international dignitaries, including the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, and the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), Junhua. In his remarks, Secretary-General Guterres emphasised the necessity of prioritising persons with disabilities when formulating responses to global challenges, such as climate change, economic instability, and digital transformation. He urged all member states to empower persons with disabilities as full and equal partners in the processes of policymaking and national decision-making, ensuring that the mantra “nothing about us without us” is translated into tangible institutional action.
The Voice of Youth and Lived Experience
One of the most poignant moments of the opening proceedings was the address delivered by Sri Lanka’s Youth Representative, Nilshani De Silva. As a person with Down Syndrome, Ms. De Silva provided a powerful and authentic perspective on the transformative impact of the CRPD. Her speech was not merely a recitation of policy objectives but a profound reflection on the lived experience of disability and the indispensable value of human dignity. She highlighted the various legislative and social measures undertaken by the Government of Sri Lanka to enhance the welfare of disabled persons, while simultaneously calling for more meaningful participation of young people in shaping the societies that affect their lives.
Ms. De Silva’s presence on the global stage served as a vivid illustration of the potential that is unlocked when barriers to inclusion are dismantled. Her call for accessible civic engagement and leadership resonated deeply with the delegates, reinforcing the notion that persons with disabilities must not only be beneficiaries of policy but active architects of change. The inclusion of youth voices is particularly vital as the global community looks toward the next twenty years of the Convention’s implementation, where innovation and advocacy must be led by those who will inherit the future.
High-Level Roundtables: Charting the Path Forward
The 19th Conference of States Parties was structured around three high-level thematic roundtables, each designed to address a critical facet of disability rights in the modern era. These discussions were instrumental in identifying both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead for the international community.
- Creating a World Free from Exploitation, Violence, and Abuse: This roundtable focused on the persistent vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities, particularly women and children, who remain disproportionately affected by various forms of maltreatment. Delegates explored the institutional frameworks required to prevent abuse and the importance of ensuring that justice systems are fully accessible to survivors with disabilities.
- Building Resilient Societies through Care and Support Systems: The second roundtable examined the necessity of strengthening care and support systems to foster empowerment, autonomy, and independence. The discussion highlighted the role of community-based services and the importance of moving away from institutionalisation toward models of support that respect the individual’s right to live independently within their community.
- Enhancing Accessible Civic Engagement and Leadership: The final roundtable addressed the barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating fully in political and public life. Participants shared best practices for enhancing the accessibility of electoral processes, public consultations, and leadership opportunities, emphasising that true democracy requires the representation of all citizens.
Following these comprehensive discussions, Ambassador Jayantha Jayasuriya chaired an Interactive Dialogue among States parties, United Nations agencies, and civil society stakeholders. This dialogue served as a platform for the exchange of ideas on the practical implementation of the Convention, ensuring that the commitments made in New York are translated into effective action at the national and local levels.
Sri Lanka’s Ongoing Commitment to the Global Sri Lankan Community
The successful assumption of the CRPD presidency by Sri Lanka is a source of immense pride for the Global Sri Lankan community. It reflects the high calibre of Sri Lankan diplomacy and the nation’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the resolution of global issues. For those residing in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and beyond, such achievements serve to strengthen the connection with their heritage and highlight the positive impact that Sri Lankans continue to make on the international stage.
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As the 19th session of the CoSP continues, the leadership of Sri Lanka will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy on the global disability rights movement. By prioritising the voices of the marginalised and championing a vision of inclusive development, Sri Lanka is helping to forge a world where every individual, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the betterment of humanity. We invite all our readers to stay connected with eLanka for further updates on this historic conference and other inspiring stories from our community worldwide.
Source: https://www.newswire.lk
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