NACWC -SL, Ministry of Defence, Kotte (2026)

National Authority for Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention(NACWC) is the National focal point for CWC implementation in Sri Lanka presently established under the Ministry of Defence.

24/09/2026

Sri Lanka Hosts OPCW Associate Programme 2026 Participants for Industrial Training

Sri Lanka was pleased to support the 2026 OPCW Associate Programme, the flagship capacity-building programme of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), by facilitating industrial training opportunities for two international participants from Cameroon and Sudan.
The OPCW Associate Programme aims to enhance participants’ understanding of the objectives of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), with particular emphasis on chemical safety and security, modern industrial practices and the peaceful use of chemistry. This programme was conducted from 28th July to 24th September 2026, with the industrial training taking place at Sri Lanka from 31st August to 18th September 2026.
Sri Lanka, through the National Authority for Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), Ministry of Defence, facilitated the participation of two associates:
• Mr. Raduis Melong – Cameroon
• Mr. Ameer Awad Ebrahim Osman – Sudan
As part of the industrial training, the two participants were provided with practical exposure to Sri Lanka’s industrial practices and chemical safety and security management through Dipped Products PLC. The three week industrial attachment provided an important opportunity for the participants to gain first hand knowledge of industrial operations, safety practices, process management and relevant aspects of chemical safety and security.
The NACWC extends its sincere appreciation and special thanks to Dipped Products PLC for its continued cooperation and valuable contribution towards the successful implementation of the OPCW Associate Programme. The company has previously supported the programme by facilitating industrial exposure for international associates and its continued commitment demonstrates the importance of cooperation between government institutions, industry and international organisations in strengthening chemical safety and security.
To further strengthen the friendship and professional relationship established through the programme, the NACWC hosted a welcome dinner on 14th September 2026 for the two visiting associates. The occasion provided an opportunity to welcome the participants to Sri Lanka, exchange experiences and strengthen professional connections among the participants, NACWC officials and stakeholders involved in the programme.
Sri Lanka’s participation in the OPCW Associate Programme reflects the country’s continued commitment to the effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and to international cooperation in promoting the peaceful and safe use of chemistry.
The NACWC sincerely thanks the OPCW, Dipped Products PLC and all stakeholders who contributed to making the 2026 Associate Programme industrial training in Sri Lanka a successful and valuable experience for the participating associates.

21/09/2026

07/09/2026

OPCW 24th Regional Meeting of National Authorities in Asia on the Chemical Weapons Convention

The 24th Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia, organized by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), was held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 01 to 03 September 2026. Rear Admiral Hasantha Dassanaike, Director of the National Authority for Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) under the Ministry of Defence, represented Sri Lanka at this important regional forum.
The meeting provided a valuable platform for National Authorities to exchange experiences, best practices, priorities and challenges in strengthening the national implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), as well as chemical safety, security and emergency preparedness.
During the meeting, the Director of the NACWC delivered a presentation titled “Sri Lanka’s Experience, Challenges and Priorities in CWC National Implementation”. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s longstanding commitment to the CWC, progress in national implementation, the established national implementation framework, and key initiatives undertaken to strengthen institutional capacity.
The presentation also highlighted the OPCW Regional Conference on Advancing CWC Implementing Legislation in Asia, hosted by Sri Lanka in Colombo in December 2025, and the establishment of the STRATLINK digital platform in 2026 to facilitate licensing recommendations in collaboration with the Department of Imports and Exports of Sri Lanka.
Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening chemical emergency preparedness and response, addressing emerging challenges, and advancing Sri Lanka’s priorities for 2026–2028. The Director also outlined areas for enhanced regional and OPCW cooperation, including opportunities for Sri Lanka to share its experience and contribute to regional capacity building.
Concluding his presentation, the Director reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s firm commitment to the object and purpose of the CWC and emphasized the importance of sustained regional cooperation, capacity building and international partnerships in achieving the shared objective of a world free of chemical weapons.

25/05/2026

Basic Course of the 2026 Regional Training Cycle on Assistance and Protection for Member States in Asia

The National Authority for the Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), functioning under the Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), successfully conducted the "Basic Course of the 2026 Regional Training Cycle on Assistance and Protection for Member States in Asia."

The five-day regional capacity-building programme commenced on 18 May 2026 and concluded successfully on 22 May 2026 at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo. The course brought together 27 foreign and local participants representing 14 countries across the Asian region to enhance international cooperation, safety, and operational readiness against chemical emergency threats by the emergency First Responders

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of distinguished local and international dignitaries. Air Vice Marshal Shehan Wijayanayake, Director of the NACWC Sri Lanka graced the inaugural session alongside Ms. Thilini Pieris, Senior Assistant Secretary (Defence Services) of the Ministry of Defence and Wing Commander Daham Wickramarathne, Commanding Officer of No 49 CBRNE Wing Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake. Representing the international body, Ms. Eapen Rebecca, Head of the Assistance and Protection Branch (APB) at the OPCW, and Mr. Luyeye Loic Michel, Project Officer of the OPCW, participated as key representatives.

The curriculum provided participants with deep insights into chemical incident management, toxicological profiles, and defensive protocols. The early days of the training focused on classroom lectures and demonstrations, led by specialized military experts from the Sri Lankan Tri-Services along with a visit to Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Base Katunayake for field training. The field modules tested participants' abilities to operate under simulated contamination zones. Advanced demonstration units showcased modern chemical detection, recognition, identification techniques, and large-scale decontamination procedures.

This successful iteration reaffirms Sri Lanka's standing as a proactive partner in the global disarmament regime and highlights the Ministry of Defence's ongoing commitment to fostering regional security and resilience against chemical warfare threats

20/02/2026

Address

Ministry Of Defence
Kotte

Telephone

+94112772538

Website

http://nacwc.gov.lk/

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