YouSaid · the spoken record

Maithripala Sirisena

lines on the record: 34
first: 2015-09-24
most recent: 2017-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
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

“I am asking for assistance in achieving those goals. I would like to conclude by congratulating the President of the General Assembly and the Secretary- General, and may the noble Triple Gem bless us all.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“That is why I say that ours is a slow and steady pace, and in that connection, we call on Member States for their help. I believe that a rapid pace would be perilous at this juncture and the quick solution expected by certain extremist elements would be unlikely to solve our complex problems. I believe that everyone would agree with me in that regard. Preventing the recurrence of war and promoting a sense of brotherhood among the various groups in my country, while ensuring each group’s right to speak its own language and worship according to its own faith, are among my Government’s goals. I respectfully appeal to the United Nations and to every nation to support us in realizing those goals. We want to promote economic prosperity, democracy and an end to war, and we want to consolidate our democracy and set an example to other nations.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“As a country with such a track record of compliance as a Member of the United Nations, we want those good relations to continue. I want to ensure my country’s independence and sovereignty in all that we do. In addressing the various allegations that have been made against us and dealing with the related problems, we have to move slowly and with enormous care. In that regard, certain extremist elements expect a fast pace. They want quick, short- term solutions, but our country is dealing with the legacy of a war that dragged on for 30 years and divided its people. We want to establish peace and unity, promote brotherhood among our people and eliminate hatred, suspicion and mistrust. If we are to achieve that, to build up a loving country and promote a prosperous economy, the assistance of Member States is of paramount importance.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“The rule of law is of major importance in that regard, and my Government has prioritized the task of establishing the rule of law and ensuring its application. I should therefore emphasize that, while we are strengthening democracy, at the same time we are working to promote our people’s human rights, nurture their basic rights and maintain friendly relations with other countries. Despite the divisions that have existed between Sri Lanka and some of its powerful allies, today we maintain good relations with those countries, and we very much appreciate the assistance of the United Nations in that regard. As a State Member of the United Nations for approximately 62 years, Sri Lanka has abided by its rules and regulations and complied with its conventions, treaties and agreements.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“Consolidating democracy and protecting and nurturing human and fundamental rights constitute the pillars on which my Government has based its successful leadership of Sri Lanka and its efforts to establish a democratic society, and we will continue to strengthen those elements in the future. We have also worked to strengthen national reconciliation. Sri Lanka is home to people with different languages and different faiths, and we want to establish fellow feeling among the various groups and eliminate hatred, suspicion and mistrust, while building a society that is free of such problems. While we must work to strengthen our country’s economy and thereby promote prosperity, we also want to build a country that is disciplined and has high moral standards.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“When my Government came to power in 2015, we were facing two major problems, one of which was our foreign debt crisis. Large sums of money were needed to repay our loans. On top of that, the Human Rights Council was considering allegations of human rights violations and raising serious concerns with regard to the then Government. Since then, however, we have been working to strengthen our domestic economy and attract foreign investment, and through these programmes have been successfully paying down our loans. With regard to the resolutions adopted by the Human Rights Council in connection with allegations of human rights violations, my Government is now dealing with the issue and making resolving those problems a priority.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“A great deal of attention has been focused on the subject, and we have seen how women have been mistreated in certain societies. Women make up more than 52 per cent of Sri Lanka’s population. We have worked to protect their rights by amending our Constitution to establish a mandatory 25 per cent quota for women candidates in local Government elections, one of several recently adopted amendments concerning major programmes, along with those protecting children and women’s rights and preventing the threat posed by illegal drugs. We know that there is a need for an extensive global programme for preventing and controlling the threat posed by drugs. That issue has become a major challenge for every country and society, and I believe that all of humankind should join hands and come up with a joint programme to achieve that goal.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We want to strengthen the local economy, develop local agriculture, take the country in a new direction and continue the economic plan between now and 2025 with rigour, with a view to achieving major changes in our economy. As we know, children today are faced with many problems, not just in my country but all over the world. I have therefore launched a national programme in Sri Lanka to protect children. We have a mammoth task ahead of us in keeping our children safe from abuse and the drug manace. The protection of children is a matter of national and international importance, and implementing programmes to that end is therefore essential. There is also much discussion in the world about protecting women’s rights.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“We have learned the lessons of that conflict and are working to strengthen our domestic economy, promoting local industries and industrialization with a view to achieving economic development, while also fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals and making sustainable development a priority. My country, like the rest of the world, including the United States of America, is being affected by unprecedented climate and weather conditions. In that regard, I believe that the Paris Agreement on Climate Change is crucial, and we should agree that ensuring its implementation is essential for humankind and the world. Along with our national programme for poverty alleviation, I have launched a new movement, Grama Shakthi, as part of our clear vision and plan for consolidating the country’s economy.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“My Government declared 2017 a year for poverty alleviation, with a view to freeing our country from the clutches of poverty, a major effort that I believe the entire world is engaged in. In that regard, we have launched a number of development programmes to strengthen the domestic economy. We are all aware that for 30 years Sri Lanka suffered from a protracted conflict that crippled its economy. Terrorists advocating separatist ideologies wreaked havoc, but we were able to defeat them, establish democracy and begin to govern the country peacefully. But the economic legacy of the conflict was extremely detrimental to progress.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I believe that the concession and transfer by a leader of such power to another organ has set an example to my country and the world. Those of us who are leaders of democratic countries must safeguard democracy and use our power to work to build a just society. However, events of the past few decades — indeed, of world history generally — have shown that many leaders are reluctant to yield power, resulting in discord, the disruption of peace and sometimes disputes at the international level as well. For myself, I have established democracy in my country and taken action to eliminate political groups with autocratic tendencies. I want to bring to the Assembly’s attention my efforts to ensure democracy, safeguard human rights and nurture my people’s fundamental rights during the past two and a half years.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“I am very pleased to be able to congratulate the newly elected President of the General Assembly and to have the honour of addressing the Assembly at its seventy-second session, the third time I have done so as leader of Sri Lanka. The theme of this year’s session is “Focusing on people: Striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet”. Today, as we observe the various scenarios in play around the world, that slogan seems highly pertinent. In 2015, before my election as President of Sri Lanka, I made a number of pledges to the people of my country. At that juncture, Sri Lanka’s presidency had more executive power than the corresponding office in any other democratic system in the world. Since my election, the excessive executive powers of the presidency have been transferred to Parliament in accordance with my pledge.”
2017-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 72 (2017)
“My beloved Sri Lanka has big dreams. I look forward to the blessings and collaboration of Member States to achieve them. I thank the United Nations and its agencies for the ongoing support provided to Sri Lanka. I am honoured to mention the contributions made by the outgoing Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, in fostering international development and strengthening democracy and human rights. Those efforts are a blessing to humankind. In conclusion, I wish to emphasize my commitment to empowering our youth with the best knowledge in the world. We are also embarking upon a reconciliation programme, with a view to Sri Lanka becoming an exemplary democracy in the world. My Government will fulfil its responsibilities towards its people, and I seek Member States’ assistance and blessings in that noble endeavour.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“Sri Lanka is a free, independent nation, and I intend to preserve and protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with the policies of all of the other nations gathered here today. As such, my country will seek its own recipe for the reconciliation process and the necessary transformation and reform efforts, based on respect for the essential indigenous thinking of the local people. Sri Lanka will adhere to a social democratic policy and work closely with the international community towards prosperity and wisdom, in line with the rest of the world. Following the war that traumatized the nation for three decades, we have started the journey towards national reconciliation and lasting peace. However, we will not hurry; rather, we will tread each step with care, vigilance, patience and persistence.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“On the domestic front, my Government has taken effective measures to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and good governance, paving the way for positive change to ensure that war will never again take place on the soil of my country, Sri Lanka. The reconciliation process under way today has taken lessons learned from the bitter experience of a brutal war that lasted three decades. The process will ensure that my country will never again see the cruelty of war or terrorism and that all communities will live peacefully in a rational and a free-thinking Sri Lanka. For that noble purpose, Sri Lanka welcomes the collaboration and blessings that it has received from international organizations and the international community.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I take this opportunity to draw the attention of this gathering to a significant obstacle in our progress as the world community, that is, the menace of drugs and intoxicants that has beset society, including youth and schoolchildren. As the President of Brazil pointed out (see A/71/PV.8), illicit drugs have become the most serious challenge faced by society today. While endorsing his ideas, I would urge the world community, the United Nations and all States to commit to fighting illegal drugs collectively and individually through a robust international programme that is more organized and stronger than the one currently in place.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“In many parts of the world, we see the unfortunate proliferation of anger, hatred, brutality and conflict. I would say that contemporary society is experiencing a crisis of morality. I believe that all States should heed the cry for moral values and that every society must dedicate itself to raising the level of positive moral values. Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country where Theravada Buddhism is practiced. The teachings of the Buddha help us find solutions to many of the burning issues of the contemporary world. Similarly, I am sure that the wisdom offered by the great world religions — such as Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and others — can help us today. I am therefore of the view that we as States must strengthen and foster those religions and philosophies that help us look inward.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“In that regard, we recognize that economic development plays a key role, and that environmental sustainability, particularly the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, will remain a main pillar in our endeavour to bring about the necessary changes in my country. With the educated younger generations in mind, Sri Lanka’s national development strategy will give prominence to building a green and innovation-based economy through progressive reforms and planning. As an island nation, Sri Lanka wishes to make maximum use of its ocean resources, with a new emphasis on ocean research, tourism, fisheries and marine resources. The Government seeks to further improve the free health-care and education systems, while providing greater technology to agriculture and domestic industry, so as to ensure that our people live better lives.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“The Government is committed to making the people of Sri Lanka a developed nation. Poverty is a global challenge. I am determined to alleviate poverty in my country. I have therefore declared 2017 to be the Year of Eliminating Poverty in Sri Lanka. I have developed a basic platform to help people emerge from poverty in a country that prioritizes economic progress. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development serves as the guiding principles for all nations and institutions, led by the United Nations, to bring about the economic, social and environmental transformations that will make the world a better place.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“I am extremely happy to take part in the seventy-first session of the General Assembly as the President of Sri Lanka. I would like to convey the current situation in my country. For the past 20 months, my leadership has helped usher in a new era of social, political and economic transformations in my country. Before I came to power, people in my country were living in fear and suspicion. I have laid the foundation for strengthening the rule of law and restoring democratic rights for the people of Sri Lanka so that they can live happily in a free and democratic society. My Government seeks to make the people of Sri Lanka among the happiest people on Earth. To that end, we have taken steps to strengthen freedom and democracy while achieving economic prosperity.”
2016-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 71 (2016)
“If we could practise that at the personal, community, national and global levels, it would be a giant leap forward for humankind. I propose that we, as national leaders, take such a self- disciplined, equity-based approach into consideration when drawing up relevant action plans for the future. In conclusion, I would like to express my firm commitment and dedication to elevating my beloved motherland of Sri Lanka and its people to the level of one of the greatest and noblest nations of the world, and contributing to the liberation of all humankind.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Such conflicts occur among individuals, communities and nations, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that they occur when human rights are not protected by the rule of law. The third type of conflict is that within the human being. The first two kinds occur when we lose the battle within us as human beings, and the third type is therefore the root cause of all conflicts. Extremism, overconsumption, the arbitrary exploitation of the environment, violations of human rights and vicious disparities in income are all results of our inability to overcome our cravings. Among other problems, they cause insecurity, conflict, violations of rights and exploitation. The edifice of sustainable development should, therefore, be built on a foundation of self-discipline and equity.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“My understanding of sustainable development is that we should aim not for a development model that is isolated and confined to particular sectors or groups, but one that is inclusive and capable of lifting development standards and levels globally. To that end, I would like to stress the need for a fresh, universal approach. As we learn from the Buddhist ethos that is ingrained in Sri Lankan culture, there are three kinds of human conflict. The first is the conflict between humans and nature, in which we constantly engage in order to enjoy material comforts in life. In that context human beings today attempt to exploit natural resources extensively in the name of development. The second is the conflict among humans.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Yet young people are the driving force for sustainable development, and we should therefore work to transform them into a highly skilled workforce that can succeed in the knowledge-based world of the twenty-first century. That should be a major component of the post-2015 development agenda adopted in the form of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (resolution 70/1). Similarly, we should launch a national programme to empower women and thereby enhance their contribution to development. Special programmes to protect children and safeguard their rights are also an essential factor in developing an effective and humane society.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We have been fortunate in being able to preserve the democratic ethos in our country despite the prolonged conflict. Despite several factors militating against maintaining a high economic growth rate, we have succeeded in sustaining the State social-welfare policies carried over from independence. We have never compromised on those policies, which include universal free education, free health care and the eradication of poverty. Following a path of social democracy, Sri Lanka has succeeded in achieving high scores in the Human Development Index, even during the years of conflict. That success is testimony to our commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Development should help to empower women and young people and ensure security for children. Frustration among the young usually leads to conflict.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We all know that the United Nations was established with the objective of preventing the recurrence of the human tragedies that took place in the first half of the twentieth century and which had a negative impact on humankind. At the heart of this year’s theme is “peace, security and human rights”. That theme motivates us to review whether, during 15-29562 7/54 A/70/PV.19 30/09/2015 the past seven decades, we have lived up to the initial expectations of the United Nations. I believe that, if global development is to succeed, it is important to have a dialogue within the South as much as between the North and the South. My country, which lies in the South, can contribute immensely to nurturing such South-South dialogue. Sri Lanka is in the forefront of the oldest representative democracies in the South Asian region.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Problems can arise from resorting to terrorism as a means of solving grievances, as well as from actions taken to eliminate terrorism. Sri Lanka has succeeded in eliminating the terrorism that continues to disturb other developing countries from Asia to Africa and Latin America. We defeated one of the world’s most ruthless terror enterprises. In addition, our post-conflict experiences have also been meaningful. We believe that all those experiences can be shared fruitfully with other developing countries affected by terrorism. Sri Lanka remains prepared to engage in a more active dialogue with such countries and will continue to speak and advocate against terrorism. It is in that context that I wish to address the theme of this session.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“The new Government of consensus has, under my leadership, already taken several steps to introduce and operationalize the constitutional and institutional reforms required to accelerate the achievement of those goals. Sri Lanka is a country that has suffered from conflict. While conflict brings destruction to a society, it is possible for many lessons to be learned during and after a conflict. All forms of war and terrorism are a disgrace to humankind. The Preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights refers to the disregard and contempt for human rights, which results in barbarous acts and ultimately rebellion. Whatever its root causes are, the challenge of this era is to find ways and means to defeat brutality against humankind.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Following the general elections in August, I was able to unite the two major political parties in Sri Lanka so as to create an alliance for governance by consensus in the country, changing the confrontational political culture that had prevailed there for six decades. Our new vision for the country involves achieving the twin objectives of sustainable development and reconciliation. A fundamental requirement in that context is dealing with the past honestly and building a modern Sri Lankan nation. In dealing with the past, we will follow a process of truth-seeking, justice, reparation and non-recurrence. It is imperative that Sri Lanka adopt a new social, economic and political approach, so that it can rise to the challenges of the twenty-first century. In that regard, reconciliation has received priority attention in my country.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Moreover, my Government is committed to developing a proactive and practical programme in Sri Lanka to further ensure peace, security and human rights. In the past eight months, in two consecutive elections, the people of Sri Lanka elected a new president and a new Government. In its first six months in power, my Government has introduced essential amendments to the Constitution in order to strengthen democracy in Sri Lanka. Those amendments have reinforced the foundations of good governance through institutional reforms that strengthen pluralism and democracy. With my personal involvement and facilitation, some of the executive powers vested in the presidency were transferred to the Parliament and other independent institutions.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“Our contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions, which began in the 1960s, continues. Sri Lanka looks forward to further enhancing our committed contribution to United Nations peacekeeping in the future. A new era of democracy dawned in Sri Lanka on 8 January, ushering in justice, freedom and equality. Our social and human development approach is founded on pluralism, reconciliation and sustainable development. The development vision of my Government for the next five years is based on the same principles. The theme of this session — “The United Nations at 70: the road ahead for peace, security and human rights” — is therefore very much in consonance with the vision of my Government.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“I would ask Secretary-General Ban 6/54 15-29562 30/09/2015 A/70/PV.19 Ki-moon to accept my respectful gratitude and that of my people for the service he has rendered. Sri Lanka has been a Member of the United Nations for 60 years. As a Member State, we have played a very active and responsible role in the Organization. Sri Lanka is a nation that respects the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international conventions and treaties. A main objective of the United Nations is to recognize, safeguard and promote human rights. Sri Lanka remains committed to fulfilling that responsibility. In that respect, we intend to implement a new programme and plan of action in Sri Lanka to advance human rights. Sri Lanka has played a multifaceted role in the United Nations.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“We at the United Nations have consistently engaged in the responsible and challenging task of working to ensure global peace, security and development during these past 70 years. However, I realize that similar challenges still lie ahead of us. When leaving office at the height of the Korean crisis in 1953, Mr. Trygve Lie, the first Secretary-General, described the position of Secretary-General as “the most impossible job in the world”. It is no secret that all Secretaries-General, during their terms of office, have contributed substantively to promoting the universality of the United Nations and to making it an Organization that can serve humankind well in to the future. The incumbent Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, has also made a remarkable contribution to the Organization.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)
“My country is a long-standing Member of the United Nations, and it is indeed an honour and a pleasure for me, as the newly elected President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, to address the General Assembly at its annual general debate. On behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka, I wish to heartily congratulate His Excellency Mr. Mogens Lykketoft on his election as President of the General Assembly at its seventieth session. Let me also convey my gratitude to the former President, His Excellency Mr. Sam Kutesa, who contributed immensely to the achievements of the previous session. The United Nations now has a distinguished track record of 70 years.”
2015-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 70 (2015)