President Sirisena attends UN General Assembly

President Maithripala Sirisena addressed the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly early this morning, Sri Lankan time.

President Sirisena, addressing the gathering, noted that Sri Lanka’s new transitional period commenced with priority given to economic and political reforms over the course of the last 20 months

He added that since the government’s coming in to power, the social backdrop which was centered around fear and doubt prevalent, has been wiped out while the foundation for the people of Sri Lanka to lead a happy and free life in democracy is in the process of being formulated.

“My government’s objective is to make Sri Lanka one of the happiest countries in the world to live in”, he said.

President Sirisena further pointed out that in most nations around the world today, societies have been driven to the point of war, brutality, disharmony and hate – and it is at these instances where the need for humanity has become a severe crisis – thus every nation must come together to create a community with fundamentals of humanity to resolve most conflicts prevalent in society.

“I also believe that the teachings and principles of Buddhism can be used to resolve the issues around the world today. Similarly, the teachings and practices of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and other religions can be broadened, which requires the blessings of all nations”, he said.

Speaking further, President Maithripala Sirisena called on the international community and the United Nations to take stern measures to eradicate the drug menace prevalent around the world.

“The issue on drugs has caused a severe menace among the society and a tragedy among school children”, charged the President who noted that while drawing the attention of the United Nations of this crisis there is a need for a much broader and stronger programme to be initiated internationally, and at national level, to wipe out this menace from humanity.

He went on to state that through the experiences gained as a country which faced a 30-year long barbaric war with terrorism, priority has been given to ensure that another war will never break out at any given time in Sri Lanka, by creating freedom and democracy within the country through a strong foundation of national reconciliation to give birth to a dominant nation.