New advanced technologies have opened new domains of security concerns such as cyber-security and autonomous weapons systems together with the abuse of ICT for criminal purposes and the induction of mercenaries, public security minister Tiran Alles has told the United Nations.
Sri Lanka is willing to contribute police, gendarmerie and criminal justice experts with experience and skills to counter such threats and to share the knowledge and experience with any host nation, he said.
Minister Alles was speaking at the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS) 2024 held at the UN headquarters with the theme ‘Prevention of Conflicts and Violence and Sustainable Peace.’
In his speech, minister Alles observed that “the threats to peace have become more diverse and complex than ever before.
Minister Alles further said;
"Violent conflicts have been on the rise during the last two decades.
Protection of civilians has become a critical concern in many conflict-ridden areas, with the humanitarian landscape becoming increasingly hostile, with non-traditional threats. New advanced technologies have opened new domains of security concerns such as cyber-security and autonomous weapons systems together with the abuse of ICT for criminal purposes and the induction of mercenaries.
Be that as it may, permit me the honour of congratulating the UN peace operations that have effectively risen to meeting the varying challenges in the theatres of conflict.
In this backdrop, Sri Lanka appreciates the pith and substance of the Secretary General's "New Agenda for Peace".
My delegation recalls with pride, that Sri Lanka has been a committed contributor to UN Peacekeeping since the deployment of military observers at the end of the Suez war. More than twenty-one thousand Sri Lankan peacekeepers have played an important role in many peacekeeping operations to date. I am confident that the Sri Lanka formed Police Unit, which is at Readiness Level three, stands by with the capacity to handle the emerging security landscape.
Madam Chair, organized crime, gang violence and illicit economies are rapidly on the rise.
This is becoming a growing challenge to international peace.
It is therefore imperative that the United Nations consider deploying specialized police teams with experience and skills to counter this menace.
Sri Lanka is willing to contribute police, gendarmerie and criminal justice experts with experience and skills to counter such threats and to share the knowledge and experience with any host nation.
Sri Lanka stands ready to partner in this noble endeavour,” added the minister.
