President arrives in New York

Tuesday, 19 September 2017 00:45 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Maithripala Sirisena, who left Colombo for New York to attend the 72nd General Assembly of the United Nations, arrived at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York yesterday.

Representatives of the Sri Lankan Ambassador’s Office in New York welcomed President Sirisena and First Lady Jayanthi Sirisena at the hotel where the President will be staying during his visit.

The 72nd Regular Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 72) convened at the UN Headquarters on 12 September. The General Debate will open today, with a focus on the theme ‘Focusing on People: Striving for Peace and a Decent Life for All on a Sustainable Planet’.

The President is due to address the General Assembly this evening.

This is the third time that President Sirisena is addressing the UN General Assembly. The President will also brief world leaders on Sri Lanka’s consensual politics as well as on its continuing efforts to foster reconciliation and peace, and the initiatives taken by the Government after it declared 2017 the Year for Poverty Alleviation. He will also speak about the program to promote the concept of Green Development.

The President is also scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with several world leaders participating in the sessions.

He will also join the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in a high level discussion on political reforms.

During his visit, Sirisena will participate in several programs, including a meeting with the Sri Lankan community domiciled in the US.