Nilshani de Silva, a prominent disability rights activist from Sri Lanka, has been selected to represent the country at the 19th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), scheduled to be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The conference, recognized as one of the world’s leading forums on disability rights, coincides this year with the 20th anniversary of the CRPD.
Global leaders, policymakers, heads of state, and disability rights advocates from around the world are expected to participate in the event.
Nilshani de Silva has been appointed as Sri Lanka’s Youth Representative for the conference and has received a special invitation to address the opening session on June 9.
She is expected to speak alongside the UN Secretary-General and other international leaders during the inaugural proceedings.
Born with Down Syndrome, Nilshani has become widely recognized for her advocacy work promoting inclusion and challenging social stereotypes faced by persons with disabilities.
She is also known as a motivational speaker, teacher, and fashion designer, having contributed to disability awareness and empowerment across multiple fields.
Sri Lanka signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007 and formally ratified it in 2016.
Notably, Sri Lanka is also chairing the 19th Conference of States Parties this year.
Observers have described Nilshani’s participation as a historic moment that highlights the importance of representation and inclusion in decision-making processes affecting persons with disabilities, while also marking a proud moment for Sri Lanka on the international stage.
