Mission News

Home

News

Commission on population and Development

Thursday, 25 April 2013 11:00

Statement by His Excellency Major General Shavendra Silva
Ambassador and Chargé d'Affaires of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York

FORTY-SIXTH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT

New York, 22nd April 2013.

Mr. Chairman,

Let me congratulate you on your appointment to this important Committee.

We hope that this session on the theme “New trends in migration: demographic aspects” would provide a comprehensive framework, including useful inputs, for the second High Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development, to be held in the UN General Assembly this year. My delegation notes with appreciation the report of the Secretary-General on this theme, which provides valuable information and serves as a guide for our deliberations during the session.

Sri Lanka associates itself with the statement delivered by Fiji, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

The Situation in the Middleeast

Thursday, 25 April 2013 10:52

Statement by Ambassador Major General Shavendra Silva
Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d'Affaires

UN Security Council Open Debate
“The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”
24 April, 2013

Mr. President,

I join other speakers to commend you for convening this important debate. The Sri Lanka delegation associates itself with the statement made by Iran on behalf of the NAM.

The world must not forget the dire humanitarian situation of the Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, especially Gaza where conditions are unsustainable. We stress the urgency of leadership to end the marginalization and oppression of Palestinians in their own land. International humanitarian law obliges the protection ofthe civilian population in the Occupied Territories. It is regrettable that unethical practices continue, which would erode the likelihood for a two State solution.

The settlement activities run counter to Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention (1949), and therefore is a factor in the recurrence of violence in the region. The international community has repeatedly called for a freeze on settlement activity. The Security Council, the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council the Economic and Social Council, as well as the International Court of Justice, have all condemned the settlement activity as illegal. Ending these practices, which contribute to much human suffering and continuing friction in the occupied territories, are essential steps that need to be taken to improve the ground situation as well as for confidence building.

Thermatic Debate

Thursday, 11 April 2013 12:23

Statement by H.E. Dr. Palitha T.B. Kohona,

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations

Thematic Debate:"Role of International Criminal Justice in Reconciliation"
10th April 2013,New York

“International criminal justice, as it is widely understood today, is very much centered on a Western historical and cultural mind set. It pays only lip service to the cultural backgrounds of the much of the world. Accountability, particularly retributive justice, appears to be the first choice, in general, to facilitate reconciliation. There are other paths to this laudable goal. To suggest that there is only way to achieve reconciliation or to advocate a one size fits all approach is to neglect the traditions and experience familiar to the rest of the world.”

Mr. President,

I take this opportunity to thank the President of the UN General Assembly for conveying this timely debate on “The Role of international criminal justice in reconciliation”. We hope that today’s discussion will facilitate a critical examination of the many aspects of the international criminal justice system and its relevance to fostering reconciliation, especially in the multi-dimensional world in which we live. We take the view that the international criminal justice system must undergo further refinement if it is to serve the wider interests of the international community and the goal of reconciliation.

Commonwealth Day Receiption

Wednesday, 13 March 2013 12:20

11th March 2013

Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, New York

The Commonwealth Day Reception was hosted on 11th March 2013 by Sri Lanka, Australia and the United Kingdom at the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York. The event was graced by the UN Secretary General, H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon.

Heads of Missions and other diplomats from the Commonwealth family attended the event. A number of senior UN officials, including theUNDP Administrator, USG for Peacekeeping Operations, the USG for Disarmament Affairs, the Spokesperson for the Secretary General and the SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict were also present.

The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka, H.E. Dr. Palitha Kohona welcoming the gathering said that the Commonwealth must strive to bring tangible benefits to its member states.“In the long run, it is tangible benefits that will keep us together. Although ideas and values are important, tangible benefits will be the glue that will bind us together as a family”.He also highlighted the challenges of “youth empowerment, women’s issues and trade and labor liberalization”.

The Permanent Representative of Australia, H.E. Mr. Gary Quinlan, during his address said that the Commonwealth is a powerful mechanism, and is distinct from any other organization. “While a common history unites us, it is the Commonwealth’s distinct desire to uphold democracy, human rights, and the rule of law that guides us”. “The Commonwealth comprises of 54 member states, of which, only 4 are developed countries. The rest are still developing”. He reminded us of the critical disparities between the developed and developing Commonwealth.

The message from Her Majesty the Queen was read out by H.E. Sir Mark Justin Lyall Grant, the Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom. In her message she said that “the heart of the Commonwealth lies in the striving of individuals and communities to achieve great goals”.

News