Nilshani to represent Sri Lanka at UN conference

Nilshani de Silva, one of Sri Lanka’s leading disability rights advocates, has been selected to represent the country at the 19th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to be held at the United Nations Headquarters.

Serving as Sri Lanka’s youth representative at this year’s conference, she has also been invited to address the assembly alongside international leaders, including the United Nations Secretary-General, during the opening session on 9 June.

Notably, Sri Lanka will hold the presidency of this year’s Conference of States Parties, which is regarded as one of the world’s foremost forums dedicated to advancing and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.

Nilshani de Silva, who has Down syndrome, is widely recognised as an advocate for the rights of Sri Lanka’s disabled community. She is also known as a skilled counsellor, teacher and fashion designer.

Reports indicate that this international recognition has been awarded in appreciation of her efforts to challenge societal misconceptions and champion the rights of persons with disabilities.