I am pleased to send this message on the occasion of the 71st Anniversary of the United Nations Association of Sri Lanka which coincides with the 76th Anniversary of the UNITED NATIONS.
The UNA – Sri Lanka is an NGO which was formed in 1950 and is the sole affiliate of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), in Sri Lanka, whilst it was five years later that Sri Lanka became a member of theUnited Nations, in 1955.
On this occasion, it is significant to mention that the UNA-Sri Lanka works at the grassroots level, disseminating information on the United Nations and creating enormous awareness on the UN and itsCharter, mainly among school
children.
The UNA – Sri Lanka Study Circle is a vibrant network which operates in over 325 schools, island wide, with the approval of the Ministry of Education. Its programmes, which are highly commendable, include lectures, seminars, educational sessions, inter-school competitions as well as awareness on patriotism, protection of the environment, drug abuse, non-communicable diseases, with special emphasis on diabetes and vision.
It is pertinent to mention that the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, is one of the most important programmes being implemented by the UN and UNA’s globally along with the governments of all member countries of the United Nations. Its agenda is a plan of action for People, Planet and Prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace, whilst recognising the eradication of poverty in all its forms and dimensions.
I am also happy to note that for the first time in over 70 years, the UNA – Sri Lanka has endorsed a candidate for the post of Executive Committee Member of the World Federation of United Nations Associations and I take this opportunity to convey my sincere greeting and best wishes and feel confident that UNA – Sri Lanka, will be elected to the Executive Committee of the WFUNA at the next Plenary Assembly, scheduled to be held in 2022.
Let me extend my warm felicitations and good wishes to the United Nations Association of Sri Lanka and the United Nations, in all its endeavours.