Sri Lanka is participating in the 82^nd Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), being held in Bangkok, Thailand from 20 to 24 April 2026, under the theme “Advancing Societies for All Ages in Asia and the Pacific.”

The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Hon. Dr. Upali Pannilage, Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, and comprises H E Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to UNESCAP, along with the diplomatic staff of the Mission.

The high-level gathering has brought together H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand, Deputy Prime Ministers, over 25 Ministers from member States, and a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including representatives from international organizations, academia, business and civil society. Deliberations are focusing on key regional challenges such as demographic transitions, economic uncertainty, climate risks, and inclusive digital transformation. The 82^nd Session of the Commission is chaired by H.E. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.

During the general debate, Minister Pannilage delivered Sri Lanka’s country statement, reaffirming the country’s commitment to a people-centred, equitable and sustainable development pathway. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s progress across key Sustainable Development Goals and outlined four strategic priorities: green growth through the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, community empowerment through “Prajashakthi”, adaptive social protection through initiatives such as “Aswesuma” and rural transformation driven by climate-smart agriculture and digital innovation.

The Ambassador delivered Sri Lanka’s interventions under Agenda Items 3 and 4 of the Commission. Under Agenda Item 3 on advancing a society for all ages and ensuring that no one is left behind, Sri Lanka underscored its life-cycle approach to development, with a focus on strengthening social protection systems, advancing women’s empowerment, investing in youth development, and promoting inclusive ageing through community-based services. Under Agenda Item 4 on addressing the special needs of Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, Sri Lanka expressed solidarity with these countries, highlighting the importance of predictable financing, enhanced connectivity, climate resilience, as well as the value of South-South cooperation and knowledge sharing in addressing shared development challenges.

On the sidelines of the Session, Minister Pannilage held bilateral discussions with H.E. Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, focusing on further strengthening cooperation in the areas of political engagement, trade and investment, and education. Both sides emphasized the importance of convening bilateral consultations at the earliest opportunity to advance mutually beneficial relations.

Minister Pannilage also held discussions with Hon. Mr. Fakir Mahbub Anam, Minister of Science and Technology of Bangladesh. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and close cooperation between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, underscoring shared interests within regional frameworks such as SAARC and BIMSTEC. They exchanged views on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and tourism, while noting the potential to further expand economic engagement, including ongoing discussions on a Preferential Trade Agreement. The importance of regular high-level exchanges and strengthening institutional mechanisms such as Joint Working Groups and Economic Commissions was also emphasized.

Minister Pannilage also met with Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, on 21 April 2026. During the meeting, the Minister highlighted Sri Lanka’s demographic transition, noting the country’s rapidly ageing population and ongoing efforts to strengthen community-based care systems, expand social protection, promote digital inclusion through initiatives such as Smart Villages, and develop integrated long-term care frameworks.

At the invitation of ESCAP, Minister Pannilage participated in a High-Level Panel on “Advancing Societies for All Ages in Asia and the Pacific.” In his intervention, he noted that Sri Lanka is among the fastest ageing societies in South Asia, with the proportion of persons aged 60 and above projected to reach 25 per cent by 2040. He emphasized Sri Lanka’s integrated approach to addressing ageing, including strengthening income security, ensuring universal healthcare, promoting active ageing, and enhancing community-based support systems, particularly in rural areas, while acknowledging ongoing challenges such as gender disparities, rural ageing, and increasing demand for long-term care.

The 82nd Session of ESCAP will continue until 24 April 2026 and is expected to adopt key resolutions aimed at advancing inclusive, resilient and sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific region.

Sri Lanka remains committed to working closely with ESCAP Member States and development partners to promote shared regional priorities and to ensure that no one is left behind at any stage of life.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka

Bangkok

21^st April 2026