Sri Lanka has reaffirmed its commitment to the objectives and principles of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF) as an important platform for dialogue, confidence-building, preventive diplomacy and practical cooperation, at the ARF Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM), held in Manila, Philippines.

While recalling Sri Lanka’s active role in the ARF since 2007, the Sri Lanka delegation had reiterated the country’s interest in further deepening engagement with ASEAN, including through its pursuit of ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said.

While highlighting Sri Lanka’s active contribution to the ARF process during 2023–2026, including through the hosting and co-hosting of several key ARF meetings in the areas of non-proliferation and disarmament, defense education and disaster relief, Sri Lanka welcomed the development of the ARF Manila Plan of Action 2026–2036 at this meeting.

It also recalled its interest in co-hosting the ARF Peacekeeping Experts Meeting during the Inter-Sessional Year 2026–2029, based on its experience in conflict management and peace building, the statement added.

The delegation to the ARF Senior Officials’ Meeting was led by Additional Secretary, M.R.K. Lenagala of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism.