By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
A meeting took place today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, Mark Andrew, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath.
Mark Andrew expressed the UN’s strong confidence and optimism regarding Sri Lanka’s new government. During the discussion, he assured Minister Herath that UN agencies are ready to assist the government in identifying hidden assets.
The UN emphasized Sri Lanka’s engagement with the UN Peacebuilding Commission in New York and pledged full support for national integration initiatives, including financial assistance. Mark Andrew also commended Sri Lanka’s humane response in rescuing Rohingya refugees stranded at sea.
He further revealed that the UN Secretary-General is expected to visit Sri Lanka by the end of the year.
Minister Herath described the recent election as historic, highlighting how Sri Lankans, regardless of ethnicity or region, overwhelmingly supported the new government. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to returning acquired lands in the Northern and Eastern provinces to their rightful owners.
Additionally, the Minister emphasized the government’s efforts to ensure fair ethnic representation in Sri Lanka’s police force. He also urged the UN to expand opportunities for Sri Lankan tri-service personnel in UN peacekeeping missions, to which Mark Andrew responded with keen interest.
