Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy Focus on Regional Relations Amid Global Tensions
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement, available (https://www.mfa.gov.lk/en/news/sri-lanka-co-chairs-24th-arf-inter-sessional-meeting-disaster-relief), announces that Sri Lanka co-chaired the 24th ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Meeting on Disaster Relief, alongside Vietnam and host country Bangladesh. The virtual meeting reviewed the ARF Work Plan on Disaster Relief 2024–2027 and discussed the proposed Manila Plan of Action 2026–2036.
The statement highlights Sri Lanka’s role in disaster relief efforts through its participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum Inter-Sessional Meeting. As co-chairs, Sri Lanka and Vietnam worked alongside Bangladesh to facilitate discussion on key topics including capacity-building, technological innovation, information-sharing, early warning systems, and regional cooperation.
If the Manila Plan of Action 2026–2036 is implemented as proposed, it could lead to enhanced regional cooperation in disaster management among ASEAN member states. Sri Lanka’s participation and co-chairing role may indicate its commitment to strengthening disaster relief efforts.
The statement does not mention specific outcomes or agreements reached during the meeting.
Sources:
Official press release: (https://www.mfa.gov.lk/en/news/sri-lanka-co-chairs-24th-arf-inter-sessional-meeting-disaster-relief)
Foreign ministry source: (https://mfa.gov.lk)
ASEAN: (https://asean.org)