Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath will represent Sri Lanka at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and deliver the country’s national address on September 28.

Minister Herath will travel to New York on September 26 to participate in the annual UN gathering.

The decision means President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will not personally attend the high-level General Assembly this year, according to Minister Vijitha Herath.

Last year, the President attended the 80th session and addressed the Assembly as Sri Lanka’s Head of State.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly formally opened today (08). The high-level week and General Debate will take place in New York from September 22 to 28.

The General Debate is the central high-level segment of the annual General Assembly, bringing together heads of state, heads of government and senior ministers from UN member states to outline their countries’ positions on major international issues.

This year’s General Debate is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.” Discussions are expected to focus on international cooperation, peace and security, sustainable development and other global challenges.

A number of high-level meetings are also scheduled during the week, including discussions on the right to development, the threats posed by sea-level rise, and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

The General Debate will conclude on September 28, when Minister Vijitha Herath is scheduled to deliver Sri Lanka’s national statement.