President urges world to support SL’s forward march

President Maithripala Sirisena called upon the international community to seriously consider the tremendous progress made by the Government towards reconciliation, restoration of democratic freedoms, human rights and rule of law and extend the fullest support to the slow but steady forward march of Sri Lanka to build a progressive, democratic, free and equal society with high morals and discipline.

Addressing the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 19 September (20 morning local time), he pointed out that all were aware that haste would not yield good results and the slow and steady path was the most suitable one to restore religious and communal harmony so that people of all communities could live in peace and harmony as equal citizens.

He said that during the last two-and-a-half years the Government had taken several important steps that were necessary for consolidating democracy, freedom, good governance, and the rule of law. “Through such transformative steps, we have laid the foundation necessary to forge national reconciliation, and ensure non-recurrence of conflict in our country,” he said. 

“As a country that has suffered violent conflict for 30 years, we are drawing from experience and lessons learned to strengthen national reconciliation, and we are determined to prevent the recurrence of conflict. We have given priority in this context to consolidate freedom and democracy in our country, and through a strong foundation of national reconciliation forged through unity and friendship among communities,” the President said.

President Sirisena stressed that the vision of the Government was to ensure sustained economic development through the increase of domestic agriculture and industry under environmentally-friendly policies and programs. He emphasised on the imperative need to adhere to the Paris Protocol on Climate Change for the sake of the future of human beings as well as flora and fauna.

Pointing out that poverty presented a serious challenge throughout the world, he said that 2017 had been declared as the year of freedom from poverty in Sri Lanka, which had prioritised economic development. “We have initiated a ‘Grama Shakthi’ program to empower villages and to give prominence to putting in place the necessary requirements for addressing all the problems faced by the people of the country.”

President Sirisena called on the world leaders to take a collective action towards the eradication of narcotic drugs. He said he wanted to draw the attention of the respected United Nations General Assembly to the problem of drugs which posed a serious threat to human society itself, preying on young children and causing much destruction to communities. Such a program must include plans and efforts to combat this menace at national level in all countries and at international level, he said.

The President explained the successful efforts made by the Government with regard to lessening the foreign debt burden and ushering in economic revival and sought the support of the world community to the efforts made by Sri Lanka for economic development.

Pointing out that Sri Lanka as a member of the UN for the last 62 years had adhered to the UN conventions, policies and principles, he said that the nation required patience, understanding and support for its slow but steady march to create a peaceful and prosperous country for its people.