Saturday 24 October 2015

Ban and Maithripala reaffirm commitment

Ban and Maithripala reaffirm commitment

October 24, 2015 09:30

 UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and President Maithripala Sirisena have reaffirmed their commitment to work together as Sri Lanka today marked 60 years since becoming a Member State.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that the 70th anniversary of the United Nations is an opportunity to highlight its many and enduring achievements — and to strengthen our collective resolve to do more to promote peace and security, sustainable development and human rights.

He said that he is pleased that Sri Lanka joins the UN on this path, as Sri Lanka marks 60 years since becoming a Member State.

“Sri Lanka has contributed significantly to the work of the United Nations, from its peacekeeping operations to its specialized agencies, and Sri Lankan nationals have served with distinction in varied roles. I thank Sri Lanka for its efforts to help realize our shared goals, and I look forward to strengthening our partnership as we work together to overcome shared threats and seize shared opportunities,” he said.

President Maithripala Sirisena said that for the people of Sri Lanka, the occasion marking 60 years since becoming a Member State is of special significance.

“Having reaffirmed our faith at the Presidential election in January 2015, in democratic principles which have guided our nation for long years, Sri Lanka marks the 60th anniversary of its membership in the UN by renewing our engagement and reaffirming our commitment to the UN Charter. In our 60 year journey, many Sri Lankans have contributed to the work of the UN and its agencies including its norm setting process, peacekeeping and development work. At this historic juncture, I reaffirm Sri Lanka’s commitment to continue working with the UN for the benefit of our peoples,” he said.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera, in his message to mark the occasion, said that through Sri Lanka’s 60 year journey with the UN, Sri Lanka has contributed to the UN system in many ways.

He said that at this historic juncture, when the UN celebrates its 70th anniversary, Sri Lanka draws inspiration from the principles, ideals and values enshrined in the Charter, in Sri Lanka’s own journey towards peace, reconciliation and achieving equitable and sustainable development. (Colombo Gazette)

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