July 30, Colombo (LNW): State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya has urged for robust measures against cybercrime centres and employment scams in certain ASEAN regions.
During the 31st Ministerial Meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Laos on 27 July, Balasuriya highlighted the need for collective efforts in the Asia-Pacific to tackle emerging challenges, including security issues related to new technologies like artificial intelligence, aiming to prevent their misuse.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed these points in a recent statement.
Balasuriya emphasised that, while promoting peace, security, and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific remains crucial, the Forum must also address cyber and network security and combat transnational organised crime.
This year’s ARF Ministerial meeting, chaired by Lao PDR’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, saw participation from 27 ARF members.
In his address, Balasuriya also noted Sri Lanka’s historical ties with ASEAN countries and its active role within the organisation, particularly as Co-Chair of several inter-sessional processes related to disaster relief, non-proliferation, and disarmament.
He proposed the initiation of climate justice programmes, stronger regional mechanisms for disaster response, and intensified collaboration to tackle climate and environmental challenges.
Expressing concerns over the humanitarian impacts of conflicts in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war, Balasuriya highlighted the adverse effects on the region and global economy. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to the ARF’s objectives.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the State Minister engaged with delegations from the Philippines, China, the European Union, Russia, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, and Laos.
Sri Lanka has been a member of the ARF since signing the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia in 2007.
