The Colombo Plan

On 10 March 2026, the Secretary-General of the Colombo Plan shared his statement at the 69th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna through a video message.


In his remarks, he reaffirmed the Colombo Plan’s commitment to supporting Member States in addressing global drug-related challenges through drug demand reduction and drug supply reduction efforts worldwide as well as sharing outstanding activities implemented in 2025. The Colombo Plan remains committed to working closely with the international community to promote practical, evidence-based solutions that strengthen capacity building on prevention, treatment, recovery, and forensic drug analysis at the regional and global level.

As part of the Maritime Advisory Programme under The Colombo Plan, a courtesy visit was held with the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation. The Colombo Plan delegation had the privilege of meeting with Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation; Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation; and Mr. W. W. S. Mangala, Secretary to the Ministry.

The meeting was attended by His Excellency Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes, Secretary General of The Colombo Plan; Mr. Rohan Masakorala, Lead Consultant; Ms. Pulsara Goonerwardne, Programme Manager; and Ms. Tharushini Suriyaarachchi, Programme Officer. The engagement provided a valuable platform for meaningful dialogue, fostering collaboration and reaffirming shared commitments towards the continued advancement of the maritime sector.

DAP Director's visit Courtesy visit to the Office of the Narcotics Control Board of Thailand

On Wednesday, 24 December 2025, Ms. Oranooch Sungkhawanna, Director of the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme, paid a courtesy visit to Pol. Maj. Suriya Singhakamol, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board of Thailand.

The visit also provided an opportunity to explore ways to further strengthen future collaboration with the Royal Thai Government on drug control efforts in the region.

On 11 December 2025, Ms. Oranooch Sungkhawanna, Director of the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (CPDAP), paid a courtesy visit to the Princess Mother National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment (PMNIDAT) in Thailand.

She was warmly received by Dr. Sarayuth Boonchaipanichwattana, Director of PMNIDAT, and his senior team. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to exchange insights and discuss areas of mutual interest.

CPDAP extends its sincere appreciation to PMNIDAT for the warm hospitality and productive discussions, and looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing evidence-based approaches across the region.

Read More : https://colombo-plan.org/courtesy-visit-to-the-princess-mother-national-institute-on-drug-abuse-treatment-pmnidat-in-thailand/

The Colombo Plan was honoured to participate in the 3rd International Symposium on Drug-Related Studies 2025, held on 09 December in Sri Lanka.

Director of the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (CPDAP), Ms. Oranooch Sungkhawanna, delivered the keynote address at the inaugural session, highlighting the importance of a whole-of-society response to emerging drug challenges and reaffirming the Colombo Plan’s commitment to global drug demand reduction and capacity-building efforts. In this connection, the NDDCB Chairman presented a token of appreciation to CPDAP, for continued partnership and valuable contributions to strengthening national and regional drug control initiatives.

The event was graced by:

• Hon. Sunil Watagala, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs (Chief Guest)
• Mr. D. W. R. B. Senavirathne, Secretary, Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs
• Dr. Indika Wanninayake, Chairman, NDDCB
• Representatives of partner agencies, foreign delegates, academics, and practitioners

VACANCY FOR THE POST OF IT OFFICER

Read More : https://colombo-plan.org/work-with-us/

Three-day Training IMO

Through the Maritime Advisory Programme, funded by the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, a three day workshop on the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Single Window was conducted from 14th to 16th of October 2025 for 22 officials from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, led by Trainer Captain Anuj Chopra.

The training strengthened institutional readiness, promoted collaboration among port stakeholders, and enhanced understanding of cybersecurity and digital facilitation standards to support Sri Lanka’s upcoming Maritime Single Window implementation.

Read More : https://colombo-plan.org/three-day-training-imo/

Strategic Leadership Workshop on IMO MSW

On 13th October 2025, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority leadership participated in a Strategic Leadership Workshop on the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Single Window (MSW). The training, guided by Trainer Captain Anuj Chopra, equipped SLPA leaders with insights on MSW mandates, global standards, data harmonization, and digital transformation strategies to drive efficiency and compliance at the Port of Colombo.

The occasion commenced with opening remarks by H.E. Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes, Secretary General of the Colombo Plan, followed by motivational words from Admiral Sirimewan Ranasinghe (Rtd), Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

Read More : https://colombo-plan.org/strategic-leadership-workshop-on-imo-msw/

Cybersecurity Advisory Mission – Maritime Advisory Porgramme

As part of the Maritime Advisory Programme (MAP-SL-001), implemented by the Colombo Plan with support from the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Deloitte has been selected to conduct the Cybersecurity Advisory Mission for the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).

The signing took place today, 17 September 2025, at the Colombo Plan Headquarters between H.E. Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes, Secretary-General of the Colombo Plan, and Mr. Vengadasalam Balagobi, Partner at Deloitte.

Photo Caption (Left to Right):

H.E. Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes – Secretary-General, Colombo Plan | Vengadasalam Balagobi – Partner, Deloitte Mohamed Fahim – Senior Manager, Technology & Transformation, Cyber | Chief Information Officer – Technology & Transformation Leader | Pulsara Goonewardena – MAP Programme Manager | Tharushini Suriyaarachchi – Programme Assistant | Rohan Masakorala – Lead Consultant, MAP | Lasantha Gunarathne – MAP Accountant | Teshani Weerakoon – Senior Accountant |

Read More : https://colombo-plan.org/cybersecurity-advisory-mission-maritime-advisory-porgramme/