Sri Lanka Calls for Renewed Multilateralism, Stronger Global Cooperation at UNGA
New York, The Gulf Observer: Sri Lanka has called for renewed confidence in multilateralism and stronger international cooperation to address growing global challenges, Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath said.
Addressing the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 28, Minister Herath said the world was undergoing rapid transformation while global institutions faced increasing challenges in responding effectively to emerging issues.
He said the erosion of trust in international institutions was reflected in unresolved conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate-related disasters, widening inequalities and technological developments progressing faster than existing governance mechanisms.
The minister said Sri Lanka had also undergone a period of transformation, with the government working to rebuild public confidence through good governance, institutional transparency and measures to combat corruption.
He noted that Sri Lanka had restored macroeconomic stability following the economic crisis of 2022, while continuing efforts to address the difficulties faced by vulnerable segments of society.
On climate change, Minister Herath said Sri Lanka was on track to achieve 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. He stressed the need to make climate justice an urgent reality, particularly for countries that have contributed the least to global emissions but continue to face severe consequences from climate change.
The minister reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to national unity and reconciliation, while rejecting racism and religious extremism in all forms.
Addressing conflicts in West Asia, he underscored the importance of respecting international law and international humanitarian law and said dialogue remained the only viable way forward. He also reiterated Sri Lanka’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people and its position in favour of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine living alongside Israel in peace within the pre-1967 borders.
Minister Herath highlighted Sri Lanka’s longstanding contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations, noting that the country had deployed more than 21,000 personnel to numerous missions since 1957.
He also called for reform of the international financial system, fairer rules governing debt and development finance, and stronger efforts to bridge the financing gap for sustainable development in developing countries.
On technology and artificial intelligence, the minister called for meaningful technology transfers, equitable access for developing countries and the development of safe, secure and trustworthy technological systems. He said Sri Lanka had developed national ethical guidelines on artificial intelligence in line with international frameworks.
Minister Herath described the United Nations as an indispensable partner for Sri Lanka and expressed support for the UN80 Initiative as an opportunity to renew and strengthen the Organization and advance meaningful reform.
“Managing transformation cannot mean managing change for some while asking others merely to adapt to its consequences,” he said, emphasizing that global transformation must be inclusive.
The minister concluded by calling for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and a United Nations that listens more closely, represents more fairly and delivers for all.
