Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to UNESCAP, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe Chairs the 8th Session of the Transport Committee of UNESCAP

Ambassador of Sri Lanka and Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, led the Sri Lanka Delegation to the 8th session of the Committee on Transport of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, (UNESCAP) from 05 th to 7 th November 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, which was held with the participation of ESCAP Member States and Associate Member States, International Governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations as well as other transport stakeholders and partners. First Secretary/Deputy Permanent Representative to UNESCAP, A.W.S Samanmali also joined the session from the Embassy.

The session was opened by the Executive Secretary of the Commission and remarks were delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport of Thailand, Chayatan Phromsorn, and by the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Road Safety. The Ambassador E.A.S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, was elected as one of the vice chairs of the 8 th Session of the Transport Committee and successfully conducted the session as acting Chair on 5th November 2024.

Ambassador Edirisinghe’s leadership was instrumental in facilitating productive discussions on critical transport issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region. Key topics included Review of the implementation of the Regional Action Programme for Sustainable Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific (2022–2026), the development of regional transport infrastructure, digital transformation in transport systems, and strategies to enhance the resilience and sustainability of transport networks amidst climate change challenges.

The session also focused on advancing the implementation of the Asia-Pacific Plan of Action for Sustainable Transport Connectivity, with a special emphasis on strengthening multi-modal transport systems, enhancing inter-regional connectivity, and fostering public-private partnerships for infrastructure development.

Ambassador Edirisinghe acknowledged the contributions of all member states and experts who participated in the session, noting that the dialogue and collaboration among nations will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transport in the Asia-Pacific region.

The 8th session of the Committee on Transport concluded with a call to action for continued collaboration, capacity-building initiatives, and the promotion of sustainable transport policies that will support the long-term economic and environmental goals of the Asia-Pacific region.

Embassy and Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka
Bangkok
11.11.2024