Addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake urged world leaders to wholeheartedly commit themselves to creating a safe and secure world for future generations.
The President emphasized that humanity should pursue a journey of unity rather than one of competition, highlighting the importance of collective action over division. President Dissanayake delivered his address at 12:45 a.m. (Sri Lanka time) today (25).
Expressing deep sorrow over the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, the President called on the UN and all concerned parties to push for an immediate ceasefire, ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and secure the release of hostages. He stressed that strong pressure must be applied to end the cycle of violence and killings, insisting that conflicts should be resolved through values of human dignity rather than through weapons.
The President also drew attention to poverty as a global crisis that fuels many conflicts and challenges, stressing the need to address inequality and deprivation with urgency.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s efforts in combating the global drug menace, he described it as a complex threat to world health, democracy, politics, and overall global well-being. He urged world leaders to activate an international framework to eliminate the drug threat, strengthen legal measures against traffickers, restrict their international mobility, and expand rehabilitation centers for those addicted.
President Dissanayake further underscored that corruption remains a destructive force that undermines democracy, development, global well-being, and contributes to poverty. He noted that although the fight against corruption is challenging, Sri Lanka has taken bold steps to confront it for the sake of future generations, and proposed that anti-corruption efforts be made an integral part of every nation’s culture.
Referring to Sri Lanka’s own path forward, the President said that the people had chosen the light over darkness and are now united around the practical vision of a “Prosperous Nation – Beautiful Life.” He added that this vision is being pursued through ethical and transparent governance, poverty eradication, digital transformation, and a cleaner country, while giving priority to education and healthcare. He concluded by affirming that Sri Lanka is determined to achieve these goals step by step.
