DOHA: Advances in science and technology have created new risks. That is why enhancing chemical safety and security is so important for our collective efforts to reduce the risks posed by toxic chemicals. This not only helps us to enhance our national implementation of the convention but also by protecting our population against exposure to dangerous chemicals, said Ms Grace Asirwatham, Sri Lankan born Deputy Director General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons – OPCW.
Ms. Asirwathan was addressing the first ever industrial chemical technical sessions last week and a top team from the Hague’s (Netherlands) OPCW was in Colombo to upgrade Sri Lanka’s industrial chemical expertise to the next level.
Ms. Asirwatham, who is leading the OPCW delegation to Colombo from Netherlands, was addressing the inaugural event of ‘Chemical Security and Safety for Sustainable Industrial Development for Member States of the OPCW in the SAARC’ sessions.
Joining the session to enhance Lankan industrial chemical handling were members of a top team from the Hague’s (Netherlands) OPCW. Reps from SAARC region SAARC Regional Countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan) and observing countries (USA, Qatar) were present at the session.
Among the Lankan private sector firms taking part were Holcim Lanka, A Baur & Co, Janet Ayurvedic Ltd and Sanichem (Pvt) Ltd, while reps from Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Police, and Sri Lanka Customs too were taking part.
