UN Chief asks President Sirisena to advance dialogue for political settlement

• Says President Sirisena has won trust of entire world 

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

New York: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has encouraged Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to advance the dialogue on a political settlement in the island nation and seize the opportunity “to lay the foundation for long-lasting peace and stability”.

The Secretary-General met with President Sirisena on Saturday on the sidelines of the 70th UN General Assembly in New York.

“The Secretary-General discussed recent political developments, congratulated the President on the elections, and commended his message of national unity, reconciliation and good governance,” a statement issued after the meeting by his spokesman said.

The President thanked the UN Secretary-General for the assistance given to make that election successful.

Welcoming the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ recently released report on Sri Lanka, the Secretary-General said he was pleased with the Government’s positive and constructive engagement with the UN on the report, and he hoped that the President would implement its recommendations. 

The Secretary-General also encouraged the President to incorporate the Sustainable Development Goals into the national development agenda. 

The UN Chief has said that the entire world kept hope in Sustainable Development, which is a theme of this year’s UN session. The United Nations expects to achieve 17 goals through sustainable development, he said, requesting President Sirisena’s assistance to make the sustainable development program successful.

The Secretary-General reiterated his strong commitment to Sri Lanka and pledged the UN’s continued support.

“He looked forward to working closely with the President, the Government and domestic stakeholders during this critical time,” the statement said.

President Sirisena pledged that Sri Lanka would work with the UN with trust, as a Government which respects the covenants of the UN. 

He further said that it was the Government’s aim to implement a program of good governance through the establishment of commissions and the passage the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.  The President also emphasised that the Government would act properly over the Geneva proposals and would be dedicated to the program for reconciliation.