President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera have sent congratulatory messages to Secretary-General designate of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres.
President Sirisena in hismessage said, “The overwhelming support that you have received from the International Community during your election to this high office is indeed due to the confidence that is placed on your ability and able leadership to steer and guide the United Nations to better serve the challenges faced by the world in the 21st Century. No doubt, the wealth of knowledge from your past experiences as the Prime Minister of Portugal and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees will assist you greatly in this endeavour.
“Sri Lanka has been an active member of the United Nations for more than six decades. Since the Presidential Election in January 2015, I have taken every endeavour to renew and restore the country’s meaningful engagement with the United Nations. As such, our relations are strengthened and there is much understanding and productive cooperation between the UN and Sri Lanka. I look forward to the continued engagement of this relationship during your tenure as Secretary-General.”
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe in his message said, “I am confident that with your extensive experience both as the Prime Minister of Portugal and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees you will lead the United Nations on a path that will ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for our world.
“Today, there is more than ever a need for the United Nations to take the lead and be more actively involved in the spheres of economic, social and political development.
From peacekeeping to peace building, from development to human rights, the UN is the platform for nurturing harmony and development within and among States.”
Foreign Minister Samaraweera said, “Your unanimous election to this high office, at a time when the world and the UN itself face a multitude of challenges, reflects the trust placed in you by the Member States of the UN.
“I am confident that the vast experience and knowledge you bring to your new office, through the service to your nation as Prime Minister of Portugal and to the world at large as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, over a period of nearly two decades, will greatly benefit the United Nations and the international community.”