Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva and Chairman of the Personal Representatives of the Group of Fifteen (G-15), has urged member countries not to be deterred by the sluggish and slow recovering global economy and to identify and implement initiatives to address pressing concerns on trade and development. He said “Trade and development are important ingredients in international affairs and must be addressed collectively, as UNCTAD continues to advance independent thinking and discussions on the interplay of international trade, economic growth and development”.
Unilateral coercive measures hinders the fostering of a democratic and equitable international order
Intervening in the interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons at the 27th UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 9th September 2014, Sri Lanka reiterated its full commitment to address the increasing challenges of the ageing population, and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to upholder the rights, dignity and the wellbeing of the older persons.
Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva and Leader of the Sri Lanka delegation Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha addressing 27th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva today (8 September 2014), welcoming the new High Commissioner Zeid Bin Ra'ad Al-Hussein on his appointment, said, "his wide experience in diplomacy, in-depth knowledge of the UN system and understanding and respect for social and cultural characteristics are useful assets that will guide the work of the OHCHR, consistent with the IB package and based on the fundamental principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity, non‑selectivity, constructive international dialogue and cooperation". He observed that "despite Sri Lanka's non-recognition of the politically motivated resolution on Sri Lanka during HRC 25, Sri Lanka would continue to engage with the regular mechanisms of the Council, and looked forward to the opportunity to engage during Sri Lanka's fifth periodic report under the ICCPR next month -October 2014".
- Sri Lanka completes development of risk profiles for major natural hazards, and landslide and drought hazard assessments
- Sri Lanka promotes participation of disable persons in vocational training in line with LLRC Recommendations
- Sri Lanka rejects inference that the presence of the military contributes to the insecurity of women and girls in the former conflict-affected areas