The Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York marked seven decades of the country’s UN membership on December 11 through a range of events that emphasized Sri Lanka’s continued dedication to global cooperation and principled multilateralism.Under the leadership of Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jayantha Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka joined 15 other Member States at UN Headquarters to observe the milestone. The group included Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Lao PDR, Libya, Nepal, Portugal, Romania and Spain.
A high-level discussion held as part of the commemoration brought together ambassadors from the 16 countries along with a panel of political analysts to examine the achievements of the multilateral system, the challenges it faces, and its future direction. The discussion was streamed live on UN WebTV.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Jayasuriya noted that while the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, such milestones also provide an opportunity for reflection. He stressed the importance of strengthening and improving the organization without undermining its founding principles, in order to advance a more just, equitable and prosperous global order.
As part of the joint observance, the ambassadors unveiled a commemorative stamp representing unity, cooperation and the equal standing of all Member States within the UN framework.
Earlier in June 2025, during UN Open Source Week, Sri Lanka’s Mission partnered with the Permanent Mission of Italy and Wikimedia to host an “Edit-A-Thon,” underscoring the value of open, accurate information in safeguarding the institutional history of the United Nations. Ambassador Jayasuriya said the initiative aimed to enrich the UN’s historical record while amplifying diverse perspectives, including those of youth, vulnerable communities and the Global South.
In October 2025, the Mission also organized a fellowship event to recognize Sri Lankan nationals who have served across the UN system. Ambassador Jayasuriya paid tribute to their contributions, highlighting the legacy built by Sri Lankans who have distinguished themselves as diplomats, jurists, scholars, peacekeepers and international civil servants.
Through these commemorative activities, Sri Lanka reaffirmed its enduring support for the United Nations and its commitment to working closely with other Member States to strengthen multilateralism and advance shared global objectives in the years ahead.
Leave your comments
Login to post a comment
Post comment as a guest