Sri Lanka has consistently supported the implementation of UN General Assembly Resolutions regarding the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and the attainment of a two State solution, Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe says.

Minister Samarasinghe and the special envoy of President Maithripala Sirisena, made the observation while speaking at the 17th NAM Summit in Venezuela.

“Our new vision for the country involves achieving the objectives of sustainable development, peace and reconciliation. A fundamental requirement in this context is dealing with the past honestly and building a modern Sri Lankan Nation..

Sri Lanka has been fortunate, that successive Governments since independence have adopted universal free education and free health care policies, that have produced some of the highest social indicators in the region. However, there are challenges we face, from a legacy of conflict and a number of problems that have not been addressed. As a middle income country, our focus is in eliminating economic inequality and further reducing poverty – a focus of our President, Maithripala Sirisena’s, programme to combat disparities in our society…

In order to achieve sustainable development, there must be global peace and security that can only be achieved through adhering to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law. Resorting to multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes among nations is of the utmost importance…

At the national level achieving Development Goals becomes impossible without good governance, rule of law and respect for human rights..” he added.