Remarks by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on United Nations Day 2024

Mr. Marc-Andre Franche,

UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka

Excellencies,

Members of the UN Country Team in Sri Lanka,

UN Volunteers,

Friends and Colleagues,

It is an honor to join you today at the UN Compound in Colombo to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the United Nations.

In June 1945, in the aftermath of two devastating world wars, nations came together in San Francisco to sign the Charter of the United Nations. This Charter, which came into effect on October 24, 1945, committed the global community to pursue peace, dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation under a rules-based international system. Today, we gather to celebrate this promise and renew our commitment to those principles.

The values enshrined in the UN Charter remain as relevant today as ever. The world faces immense challenges—from conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine to global hunger, terrorism, displacement, climate change, threats to democracy, economic hardship, and inequalities. Emerging risks, such as artificial intelligence, further complicate the landscape.

Yet, despite these challenges, the United Nations endures. For nearly eight decades, it has served as a vital platform for unity amidst aggression, extremism, disease, and chaos. Its role in fostering partnerships, promoting human development, and advocating for peace has been indispensable.

The UN system has drawn attention to the most pressing challenges of our time, lifting millions out of poverty and disease, promoting democracy, protecting children, and building bridges between communities worldwide. This enduring legacy demonstrates the importance of collaboration to tackle the problems of today.

It is by upholding the values upon which the United Nations was founded—pluralism, human rights, respect for diversity, and collective action—that we can overcome the challenges we face. In the current global and local context, we feel that it is important to reaffirm our commitment to these values—not merely as rhetoric, but as concrete policies and actions.

We in government value the United Nations' contributions to Sri Lanka over many decades. The support provided at this critical juncture—when the country is recovering from an economic crisis while advancing toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—is invaluable.

Following what has been described as the most peaceful presidential election in our country's history, Sri Lanka now looks ahead to parliamentary elections scheduled for November 14. The priorities outlined by the President on September 25 are closely aligned with the SDGs, focusing on constitutional, economic, and political reforms; national unity; respect for diversity; rule of law; public sector efficiency; and social justice. These priorities also include advancing gender equality, recognizing and increasing women's participation in the economy and decision-making, and safeguarding the rights of marginalized groups, including persons with disabilities and diverse gender and sexual identities.

As a new government, we are committed to addressing the structural challenges that have hindered Sri Lanka's progress toward unity and sustainable development. We aim to work collaboratively with all stakeholders through a consultative process that brings communities together. We look forward to the continued partnership of the UN as we pursue these shared objectives.

Recent years have demonstrated the strength of this partnership. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN's public health outreach and vaccination efforts were instrumental. Similarly, during the 2022 economic crisis, the UN's humanitarian response, valued at $149 million, provided vital assistance to vulnerable communities. These collaborations underscore the importance of our ongoing cooperation.

We look to the United Nations as one of the key partners in our journey forward. Sri Lanka's success will also be a success for the UN, as we work toward building a more resilient, inclusive, and united future.

In closing, I extend my appreciation to the entire UN team, including the peacekeepers who dedicate their lives to promoting peace, security, development, and human well-being worldwide. Your work, driven by a commitment to building a better tomorrow, is essential.

Thank you.