RW seeks global support in quest to usher sustainable prosperity in Sri Lanka

 President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the UN General Assembly in New York

• Addressing the UN General Assembly President highlights Sri Lanka’s journey to rebuild trust and global solidarity
• Lists key challenges, achievements and commitment to sustainable development and climate action
• Calls on developed countries to fulfil their commitments, provide assistance, assume share of responsibility to address climate change and sustainable development
• Expresses concern about big power tensions, their impact on international cooperation

Addressing the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, President Ranil Wickremesinghe pledged to lead Sri Lanka towards sustainable growth, ensuring peace and prosperity for all, with the support of both the nation and the international community.

The President’s address reflected on the theme of “Rebuilding trust and reigniting solidarity” and its relevance to Sri Lanka’s recent challenges. 

He mentioned how Sri Lanka faced significant social, economic and political challenges in the past year, including threats to democratic traditions but managed to achieve a democratic transition.

He highlighted efforts to stabilise the economy, including economic reforms and foreign assistance. The President told the UN General Assembly that his intention is to lead Sri Lanka towards sustainable recovery and growth, benefiting all segments of society and ensuring peace, prosperity and reconciliation.

The President also discussed global geopolitical landscape, emphasising the interconnectedness of various challenges, such as climate change, debt and sustainable development. He stressed the need for international solidarity and climate finance, particularly for smaller, climate-vulnerable and debt-ridden countries

President Wickremesinghe mentioned Sri Lanka’s commitment to climate action, including renewable energy goals, forest conservation and emissions reduction while expressing concern about the impact of climate change on food security, clean energy and livelihoods, emphasised the urgency of mobilising climate finance.

During his address, Wickremesinghe called on developed countries to fulfil their commitments, provide assistance and assume their share of responsibility, while underscoring the importance of restructuring the international financial system to address climate change and sustainable development.

Additionally, the President emphasised the need for reform in multilateral institutions like the UN, particularly the expansion of the Security Council’s composition. He emphasises the importance of disarmament and the impact of global military expenditures.

The President also expressed concern about big power tensions and their impact on international cooperation, including trade and ocean governance. They stress the preservation of a rules-based multilateral trading system through the WTO.

Overall, the President’s speech highlighted the challenges facing both Sri Lanka and the world, emphasising the importance of solidarity, climate action, disarmament and multilateral cooperation in addressing these issues.