President Maithripala Sirisena today reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to continue working with the United Nations for the benefit of the people.

“This year, 2015, Sri Lanka joins the world community in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. For the people of Sri Lanka, this occasion is of special significance,” he said in a message for the 70-60 Joint Publication by the Government of Sri Lanka and the United Nations in Sri Lanka.

“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.

The President graced the 70th United Nations Day celebration as the Chief Guest at the United Nations office compound in Colombo today (24) while Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe attended the event as a guest of honour.

The subject of troubled equations that the pervious Rajapaksa regime had with the United Nations came to the fore at the event.

President Sirisena, who visited the UN premises on Bauddhaloka Mawatha for the first time, recalled how a Minister of the earlier government [Housing Minister Wimal Weerawansa in July 2010] observed a fast in front of the UN office with the encouragement of the powers that be of the time.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, while addressing the gathering that included Speaker K. Jayasuriya and Leader of Opposition R. Sampanthan, felt that ignorance on the part of a section of politicians and officials of the previous regime put the country on the path of collision with the UN and international community.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera said Sri Lanka had now rejoined the world community “after a brief period, which can be termed as an aberration of our history.” It would maintain engagement and friendship with all nations alike and the UN.

Mr. Wickremesinghe expressed the hope that there would not be any clash with the UN in future while Mr. Sirisena praised the UN for its role in addressing “social, economic, humanitarian and cultural challenges” of the country.

Subinay Nandy, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka, mentioned “persistent income inequality and regional disparities in employment and education” as challenges that had to be addressed by the country. He urged the Sri Lankan government to accelerate the release of private lands, now held by the security forces, to legitimate owners.

UN was founded on 24th October 1945 and Sri Lanka became a UN Member State on 14th December 1955.

Celebrating the twin anniversary, Sri Lankan government and UN jointly launched media and communication outreach campaign themed as “Our UN. Apey UN. Engal UN”.

At the outset of the ceremony, the President and Prime Minister launched a coffee - table publication, a postage stamp, a video documentary and a public exhibition featuring Sri Lanka’s 60 year journey within the UN’s 70 years of existence.

Ministers, UN Assistant Secretary - General Miroslav Jenca, Parliamentarians, heads of diplomatic missions and members of the UN family attended the event.