Colombo, Oct 24 (newsin.asia) – The Sri Lankan government, on Tuesday said it would continue to engage closely with the United Nations, and its systems and procedures as it honored the work of the UN.
Foreign Secretary, Prasad Kariyawasam, speaking at the 72nd United Nations Day in capital Colombo, said that Sri Lanka’s relationship with the UN was presently, at its best and his government would continue to work closely with the UN bodies.
Kariyawasam said that following the election of the present government in 2015, Sri Lanka had re-emerged from the depths of isolation and had won respect on the international stage.
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“Shedding divisive practices, and futile arguments that we were engaged in with the international community, we stood up once again with confidence to take responsibility for all our citizens, and to recommit to upholding the values and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,” Kariyawasam said.
He further said that despite the daunting challenges which laid ahead globally, such as the effects of climate change, conflict, refugees, rise of violent extremism and intolerance, threats to human rights and terrorism, these challenges could be overcome if countries worked together.
“It is my firm belief that no matter how hard it may seem, or how challenging it may be, it is by upholding the values upon which the United Nations was founded – pluralism, human rights, respect for diversity, and the principle of working together – that we can overcome the problems that the world is faced with,” Kariyawasam said.
He further thanked the UN for its continuous support in strengthening democracy, forging reconciliation, ensuring equitable and inclusive economic development, and sustaining peace.
