Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath held discussions with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York.
During the meeting, described as cordial and constructive, Minister Herath briefed the UN Secretary-General on Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and reform efforts, as well as progress on reconciliation.
The two sides also exchanged views on reforms to the international financial architecture aimed at supporting developing countries and discussed Sri Lanka’s contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Sri Lanka has deployed more than 21,000 personnel to UN peacekeeping missions since 1957, according to the Foreign Ministry.
Meanwhile, Minister Herath participated in a high-level plenary meeting held to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons on September 29. The annual UN meeting focuses on advancing global nuclear disarmament.
Addressing the meeting, Herath reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to nuclear disarmament and called for concrete and time-bound measures towards the complete elimination of nuclear weapons. He also stressed the need to redirect resources towards development, healthcare, education and climate action.
In another engagement on the sidelines of UNGA81, Herath met UN Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare.
The Minister thanked the United Nations for its operational support to Sri Lankan peacekeepers serving in UN missions and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping.
