Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2023-10-02

Regulation of Chemical Substances affecting National Security

- A large number of different chemical substances are used in Sri Lanka for peaceful uses such as industrial, agricultural, medical and research purposes. It has been observed that, out of which some chemical substances such as Nitric Acid, Chlorine, Hydrogen Peroxide, Potassium Cyanide, Sodium Cyanide, Nitromethane and Sodium Azide have a dual-use nature that can be used for peaceful as well as illicit purposes. It has been recognized that there is a risk of using those chemicals which are used in various industries such as dairy, beverages, oil related industries, water purification for harmful activities that threaten the national security. Therefore, the proposal made by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Defence to enact legal provisions to regulate such chemical substances to prevent their misuse, and to vest that regulatory role with the National Authority for Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, was approved by the Cabinet.