Sri Lanka enjoys rich ties with UN - UK Envoy

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has a rich relationship with the UN over the years , and both sides have greately benefited.The British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Dominick Chilcott who was the chief guest at Sri Lanka National Observance of the 61st United Nations Day said addressing the gathering at the BMICH recently.

He said that Sri Lanka has been a firm friend and an active member of the UN both in committees, on disarmament in particular and also in the field -witness the presence of Sri Lankan Security Forces in a UN peace keeping mission to Haiti.

He pointed out that there had been occasions where UNHCR has not been able to deliver food and medicine as per the mandate in 2002 to group of Sri Lankans displaced by the internal conflict due to sensitive political and security situation.

He appreciated not allowing access for non combatants to a conflict zone but stated if that is where the vulnerable people are, that is where humanitarian aid must be delivered. The good news is that Government and UN are in dialogue on these issues, he said.

Chilcott assured that close relationship maintained so far will continue and be strengthened further during his tenure.

The High Commissioner awarded prizes to the winners of Inter Study Circle Contest.

President of the UN Association Sri Lanka Rienzie Wijetilake said that the association got the membership in the UN five years before the country became a member State and insisted that every member State should have a national UNA. National Information officer, UN Information Centre Colombo Mohan Samaranayake also spoke.