SL-UN RELATIONSHIP AT ITS BEST : FOREIGN SECRETARY

Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam yesterday said Sri Lanka’s present relationship with the UN is probably at the best it has ever been.

Mr. Kariyawasam made these remarks at an event held at the UN Compound in Colombo to celebrate the 72nd United Nations Day.

He said the UN is the organisation that Member States, created, following two devastating world wars.

“The promise that was made in the Charter that came into effect on 24th October 1945, was to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, and uphold instead, respect for dialogue, diplomacy, international cooperation and an international rules-based-system,” he said.

He said the challenges before us in the world seem daunting today and they include effects of climate change, conflict, refugees, rise of violent extremism and intolerance, threats to human rights and terrorism.

“We see people suffer as a result of these human-made phenomena on a daily basis around the world. Yes, these do pose considerable challenges,” Mr. Kariyawasam said.

He said he believed that none of the individuals are too small, too insignificant, or too weak to change things for the better. “If we are determined, we can make a positive impact. And the UN must take the lead to create awareness among people and inspire people that we are ultimately one human family, and that we must work together for the benefit of all,” he said.

Meanwhile, he said the support that the UN provided to Sri Lanka at an important time in the country’s history, was invaluable.

“I thank all members of UN Country Team in Sri Lanka for the dedication and commitment with which all of you work to support us in every conceivable field of importance to us, in our quest of pursuing the goals of strengthening our democracy, forging reconciliation, ensuring equitable and inclusive economic development, and sustaining peace,” he said.