Over 160 topics to be discussed at 62nd UNGA sessions

Rohan Mathes

COLOMBO: The 62nd General Assembly sessions of the United Nations will commence on September 25 in New York, President's Media sources said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will represent Sri Lanka and participate at these sessions. He is also expected to meet and hold talks with several foreign state leaders, including UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.

Participating at the last 61st UN sessions President Rajapaksa had maintained that terrorism could not be eradicated solely by military power.

His Government was ready to respond positively if the LTTE shunned terrorism and diverted to a non-violent path.

Around 162 topics are to be discussed at the 62nd sessions, including climatic changes, development funding, implementation of strategies to eradicate terrorism, UN management reforms and an assessment in the progress of the Millennium Development Goals. Ministers C.B. Ratnayake, T.B. Ekanayake, Champika Ranawaka and Anura Priyadarshana Yapa will be among the participants at the sessions.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama is participating at the General Assembly permanent sessions which commenced on September 18.

Sri Lanka joined the 192 member United Nations Organisation on December 14, 1955, sources further said.