Lanka completes 50 years of membership at UN

The Foreign Affairs Ministry in a media release on Sri Lanka's celebration of 50 years of membership at the UN states: On 14th December 2005, Sri Lanka celebrates 50 years of Membership at the United Nations. This is a manifestation of Sri Lanka's continued and firm commitment to the realisation of the principles and ideals of the United Nations.

Highlighting this aspect, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in his message stated, "Throughout its half century of United Nations membership, Sri Lanka has been a constructive and engaged Member State. It continues to be so to this day." The United Nations too for its part has contributed during the last five decades towards the socio-economic development of Sri Lanka and the uplift of her people.

In order to commemorate this significant milestone, a national celebration on the theme "50 years with the United Nations" will be held at the BMICH today. The event co-ordinated by the Foreign Affairs Ministry with the assistance of the UN Association of Sri Lanka will comprise cultural items performed by schoolchildren, including traditional dances, songs and drumming representing the different communities of Sri Lanka. President Mahinda Rajapakse will be the chief guest.

Cabinet Members, the Speaker, Opposition Leader, MPs and members of the diplomatic corps will also participate.

The winners of various competitions among schoolchildren, regarding the United Nations held on November 26, 2005 will receive their awards at this ceremony.

A special song has been composed especially for this occasion by Bandula Nanayakkarawasam. It has been set to music by Rohana Weerasinghe and will be sung by Edward Jayakody. A commemorative stamp will also be issued to mark the event.