YouSaid · the spoken record

Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga

lines on the record

52

first

1998-09-24

most recent

2005-09-24

sittings or episodes

2

sources

un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

1. “Our people have exercised universal adult franchise since 1931. We have a parliamentary system of government, with elections held regularly, where voter participation is uniquely high — as much as 80 per cent on average. We have an independent judiciary and free media. The rule of law is observed and respected. Fundamental rights are guaranteed and rendered justiciable. We are constantly alert to the protection of human rights, even in the face of grave provocation from some lawless elements that are bent on destroying our democratic society. Shortly after the achievement of its independence, Sri Lanka became a member of the United Nations. In the preamble to the Charter, the founding fathers expressed their determination to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. They reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights.”

   1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)

2. “At the outset, Mr. President, let me extend to you Sri Lanka’s warmest congratulations on your well-deserved election. We wish you well and have no doubt that you will guide the work of this session with wisdom, skill and commitment. The Assembly owes a debt of gratitude to His Excellency Mr. Hennadiy Y. Udovenko for his wise and astute leadership as President of the General Assembly at its fifty-second session. 22 This year Sri Lanka celebrates the golden jubilee of its independence. We reclaimed our freedom in 1948, ending nearly five centuries of colonial domination. We have given shelter within our land to all the great religions of the world: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. We are a multiethnic and multicultural society. We are deeply committed to the democratic way of life.”

   1998-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 53 (1998)