Sri Lanka underscores role of IP in innovation and inclusive development at WIPO Assemblies

Saturday, 11 July 2026 02:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Switzerland, Ambassador Sumith Dassanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening a modern, inclusive and effective intellectual property (IP) system while addressing the Sixty-Eighth Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), held on 8 July 2026 at WIPO Headquarters in Geneva.

In his statement, the Permanent Representative underscored the importance of intellectual property as a key driver of innovation, creativity, trade, technology transfer and inclusive economic development. He highlighted its contribution to empowering inventors, creators, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), women, youth and academia, thereby supporting sustainable economic growth.

Ambassador Dassanayake highlighted the progress achieved under the WIPO–National Intellectual Property Office of Sri Lanka (NIPO) Bilateral Agreement for Technical Support. He noted the successful completion of the IP document digitisation and scanning project in May 2026 and the inclusion of Sri Lanka’s national trademark collection in WIPO’s Global Brand Database, which enhances the international visibility of Sri Lankan trademarks.

The Permanent Representative also outlined Sri Lanka’s priority areas in the field of intellectual property, including the promotion of geographical indications, strengthening the copyright framework, fostering innovation, enhancing university–industry collaboration, and supporting research and development.

Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s strong partnership with WIPO, Ambassador Dassanayake expressed appreciation for the Organisation’s continued technical assistance and capacity-building support. He also reiterated Sri Lanka’s support for the implementation of WIPO’s Development Agenda.

Director General of National Intellectual Property Office, Himali Hettihelage was present during the WIPO Assemblies in Geneva.