This year marks a significant milestone in the global journey towards disability inclusion and equal rights, as the world celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)—the landmark United Nations treaty dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights, dignity and full participation of persons with disabilities.

The milestone carries special significance for Sri Lanka, which signed the Convention on 30 March 2007 and ratified it on 8 February 2016, reaffirming its commitment to creating a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities can participate fully and equally in all aspects of life.

As part of this year's commemorations, Sri Lanka will chair the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, widely regarded as the world's premier forum on disability rights. The conference, to be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, brings together governments, policymakers, advocates and disability leaders from around the world to review progress, share best practices and advance the global disability rights agenda.

Over the years, Sri Lanka has taken important steps towards strengthening inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities. These efforts include the introduction of inclusive education policies, examination accommodations for students with disabilities, social protection initiatives such as Aswesuma and Prajashakthi, vocational training and rehabilitation programmes, and community empowerment initiatives aimed at promoting independent living and economic participation.

Against this backdrop of progress, Sri Lanka will be represented at the conference by prominent disability rights advocate, Nilshani De Silva.

Nilshani has been officially selected by the Government of Sri Lanka to represent the nation as its Youth Representative and has received the distinct honour of being invited to address the opening session on 9 June alongside the Secretary-General of the United Nations and other distinguished international leaders.

Born with Down Syndrome, Nilshani is  one of Sri Lanka's most recognised advocates for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. As a motivational speaker, teacher and fashion designer, she has spent years challenging stereotypes and championing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities inspiring countless individuals across Sri Lanka and beyond.

Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as Most Outstanding Woman of the Year and Most Courageous and Inspirational Woman of the Year.

Nilshani's participation at the United Nations is more than a personal achievement. It is

a powerful symbol of how persons with disabilities can and should be represented in

conversations that shape policies and decisions affecting their lives.

As world leaders gather to reflect on two decades of progress under the Convention, Nilshani's presence on the global stage sends a powerful message—that disability should never be a barrier to leadership, achievement or participation.

For Sri Lanka, her invitation to address one of the world's most important disability rights forums is a moment of national pride. For the disability community, it is a symbol of hope, representation and possibility. And for future generations, it stands as a reminder that when barriers are removed and opportunities are created, every individual can reach their fullest potential.