Established here in Colombo in 1951, the Colombo Plan emerged during a time of great transition. Much of Asia was emerging from colonial rule, full of hopes, challenges, and a need for a new path forward. The Colombo Plan was created as a regional response, bringing governments together to share knowledge, build capacity, and cooperate in economic and social development.

As a founding member and the host country of the Colombo Plan Secretariat, Sri Lanka is proud of the role we have played in the journey of this remarkable organization. What began with seven Commonwealth countries has grown into a vibrant body of 28 member states, representing the diverse and dynamic Asia-Pacific region.

Over the years, the Colombo Plan has made a lasting impact through its flagship programmes:

The Drug Advisory Programme, which has trained thousands of professionals and supported national drug strategies.

The Capacity Building Programme, which has strengthened public institutions, especially in small and developing member countries.

The Environment and Climate Change Programme, which has helped nations—including Sri Lanka prepare for and adapt to environmental risks.

The Gender Affairs Programme, which has empowered women, promoted inclusive development, and addressed inequality.

Additionally, the Colombo Plan Staff College, based in Manila, has been instrumental in advancing technical and vocational education and training across the region.

These are not merely institutional achievements. They represent lives improved, communities strengthened, and futures changed for the better.

In today’s world, regional and global cooperation is not just beneficial, it is essential. The challenges we face    climate change, digital divides, health crises, and social inequalities are complex and interconnected. No country can face them alone. The Colombo Plan reminds us that when one country progresses, it can also uplift the region. When we share knowledge and work together, we build a stronger, more resilient future.

As we celebrate our shared achievements, we must also look ahead. The world has changed dramatically since 1951. The next phase of the Colombo Plan must address:

Digital inclusion, ensuring that every community, however remote, has access to technology and skills.

Youth and women empowerment, particularly through education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Sustainable recovery from global crises, including the socio-economic impacts of pandemics and environmental degradation.

One of the most urgent challenges we must confront together is the rising use of drugs, especially among young people. In Sri Lanka, as in many member countries, drug abuse is not just a health issue, it is a social crisis affecting families, communities, and national stability. Every life lost to addiction is a dream cut short, a future unfulfilled.

In Sri Lanka, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has made it clear that the drug menace is not merely a law enforcement issue but a national emergency. The government is undertaking wide-ranging institutional reforms enhancing coordination among the Police, Military, and Intelligence Services, introducing new legislation, leveraging modern technology to disrupt drug syndicates, and taking decisive action to eliminate corruption within the prison system. Equally, we are investing in early intervention, awareness campaigns, and community-based rehabilitation particularly targeting our youth.

Importantly, the President has also called for moral leadership at the community level engaging temples, schools, and civil society in this collective effort. This holistic approach is essential because the layered impacts of drug use ranging from health disorders to family breakdown, crime, and economic decline are felt across all segments of society.

This is not a challenge any one country can tackle alone. We must strengthen prevention through education, invest in counselling and rehabilitation, and adopt more strategic, coordinated action. The Colombo Plan can lead this effort by fostering collaboration, encouraging the exchange of best practices, and supporting the development of strong health and law enforcement systems across the region.

The Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme has already made significant contributions training over 7,000 drug demand reduction professionals, developing culturally relevant treatment curricula, and supporting the creation of national drug strategies in several member countries. These achievements provide a strong foundation upon which we can build a more comprehensive and united regional response to this growing threat.

I would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the funding partners of the Colombo Plan whose generous contributions over the years have been vital in enabling the organization’s impactful work across the region. As we look to the future, continued and renewed support from our longstanding partners will be essential to sustaining and expanding these efforts. We remain hopeful that all member countries will consider reaffirming their commitment to this shared mission, ensuring that the Colombo Plan continues to serve as a strong platform for regional cooperation and development.

To the Secretary-General, the Secretariat, our member countries, partners, and every individual who has contributed to this journey, thank you.

We hope that our commitment to the evolving aspirations of the Colombo Plan and our resolve to working collectively to achieving them, will only continue to grow stronger in the many years to come. Sri Lanka looks forward to working with you towards this end.