Sri Lanka calls for renewed faith in multilateralism at 81st UN General Assembly

Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, addressing the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly yesterday (28), said Sri Lanka was calling for renewed faith in multilateralism and stronger international cooperation to address global challenges.

The world is undergoing rapid transformation, Minister Herath said, while global institutions are facing growing challenges in responding effectively to emerging issues. He said unresolved conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate-related disasters, widening inequalities and technological developments advancing faster than governance mechanisms reflect the erosion of trust in global institutions.

Sri Lanka has also undergone a period of transformation, he said, with the Government working to rebuild public trust through good governance, institutional transparency and action against corruption. He noted that Sri Lanka has restored macroeconomic stability following the 2022 economic crisis and said the country remains focused on addressing the hardships faced by vulnerable communities.

Referring to climate change, the Minister said Sri Lanka is on track to achieve 70 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. He stressed that climate justice must become an urgent reality, particularly for countries that have contributed least to global emissions but face severe consequences.

Minister Herath also reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to national unity, reconciliation and the rejection of racism and religious extremism in all forms.

Speaking on conflicts in West Asia, he stressed the importance of respecting international law and international humanitarian law, while reaffirming Sri Lanka’s position that dialogue is the only viable way forward. He also reiterated Sri Lanka’s support for the rights of the Palestinian people and called for an independent and sovereign State of Palestine existing alongside Israel in peace within the pre-1967 borders.

He further highlighted Sri Lanka’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping, noting that the country has deployed more than 21,000 personnel to numerous missions since 1957.

The Minister also called for reform of the international financial system, fairer rules on debt and development finance, and greater efforts to close the financing gap for sustainable development in developing countries.

On technology and artificial intelligence, Minister Herath called for meaningful technology transfers, equitable access for developing countries and safe, secure and trustworthy technological systems. He said Sri Lanka has developed national AI ethical guidelines in line with international frameworks.

He said the United Nations remains an indispensable partner for Sri Lanka and supported the UN80 Initiative as an opportunity to renew and strengthen the Organisation and advance meaningful reform.

“Managing transformation cannot mean managing change for some while asking others merely to adapt to its consequences,” Minister Herath said, stressing that global transformation must be inclusive.

He concluded by calling for a renewed commitment to multilateralism and a United Nations that listens more closely, represents more fairly and delivers for all.