YouSaid · the spoken record

Perera

lines on the record: 112
first: 2015-07-23
most recent: 2019-02-05
sittings or episodes: 14
sources: un-security-council

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

“Two insurrections in the 1970s and 1980s led to sweeping social and political reform, including the setting-up of a youth commission, the enactment of land reform laws and the establishment of a national youth council. Since 2015, following the devastating conflict, we have been embarked on implementing a reconciliation and transformative justice mechanism in order to ensure prevention and non-recurrence, along the lines of the resolution 2250 (2015). Sri Lanka has focused on a comprehensive and responsive rehabilitation and reintegration programme for over 12,000 ex-combatants who surrendered to the security forces, including 594 child combatants, at the conclusion of the conflict in May 2009.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“By 2041, one out of every four persons is expected to be an elderly person, making Sri Lankans the oldest population in South Asia. International labour migration, largely concentrated among groups of young adult of working age, has increased during the past three decades, reducing the proportion of the working-age population in the country. Because of the extent of youth migration, the proportion of the elderly in the population has increased. For us, therefore, our young people are precious and indispensable to our success. As a country that had, until 2009, suffered under the oppressive yoke of terrorism for nearly three decades, including two youth insurrections, Sri Lanka understands the challenges of addressing the issue.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“Let me turn now to my own country and our efforts to empower young people in the context of the five pillars of resolution 2250 (2015) - participation, protection, prevention, partnerships, disengagement and reintegration. First, in the context of this debate, let me say that Sri Lanka is faced not with a youth bulge, but with a rapidly ageing population. While Sri Lanka stands out as one of the success stories of considerable advancements in human development in South Asia, that brings its own economic and social challenges. Early investments in health and education have resulted in significant reductions in infant mortality rates, increases in life expectancy and decreased fertility rates. Those achievements have influenced Sri Lanka's demographic cycle.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“Economic deprivation; systemic injustice and bias due to racial, religious and other prejudices; feelings of helplessness and hopelessness in an unfair social justice system; an unwelcoming society that seeks to exclude and label - all of these are breeding grounds for disgruntled, sullen youth. If we take away hope and opportunity within the system, Jihadi John will begin to look like an attractive option. From the Arab Spring to the March for Our Lives movement, it has been young people who have energized the people, inspired action, held politicians accountable and spoken up for democracy, equality and justice. We must provide them with an environment that is as welcoming and a tool set that is as effective as possible so that they can live their best selves to their full potential.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“Today we live in a world that is overwhelmingly young, one in which 46 per cent of its people are under 24 years old. Migration and refugee movements, among other things, have contributed to a youth bulge and fast- changing demographics. That is a cause not for panic but for quick action and hope. Rather than viewing it as essentially a problem, we should recognize its potential. It provides a reason for the international community to renew its commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We must aggressively attack the underlying reasons why some young people become vulnerable to the violent narratives of extremists.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“I would first like to congratulate Peru on its assumption of the presidency ofthe Security Council and to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this debate at a time when the world is facing growing threats to international peace and security. We would also like to thank Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake, the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, and Mr. Graeme Simpson, the lead author of the progress study (see S/2018/86), for their briefings. Sri Lanka acknowledges the Council's landmark resolution 2250 (2015) on youth and welcomes the progress study on youth, peace and security that it mandates. It is a valuable framework for integrating our young people into our collective efforts to preserve international peace and security.”
2018-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8241 (2018) · source
“Sri Lanka has been making modest contributions to United Nations peacekeeping efforts for more than five decades. We are equally committed to including our highly trained and disciplined women forces in our peacekeeping efforts. Furthermore, as Sri Lanka proceeds in its reconciliation and peacebuilding process, with the active participation of women at all levels, we will continue to share our experiences and practices, especially in relation to the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“It is also vital that we engage domestic actors, from the grassroots to the highest echelons of Government, in ensuring ownership of peacebuilding processes and guaranteeing long-term sustainability. In all those endeavours, we are committed to including women as essential participants in the conversation. In a reflection of Sri Lanka's commitments, and as we tread the path of reconciliation and transformative justice, my Government has appointed an ll-member task force of eminent persons to hold nationwide consultations on reconciliation measures. The members of the task force are entirely drawn from civil society and include six women. However, all this can be done only by acknowledging the existence of institutionalized structural gender bias, identifying the associated problems and sincerely seeking solutions to them.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“Sri Lanka takes the responsibility of promoting and protecting the rights of women very seriously, including preventing conflict-related sexual violence and sexual exploitation and abuse as an urgent priority. Sri Lanka's long-drawn-out conflict has resulted in a large number of victims, including orphans, war widows, single mothers and female-headed households. We are committed to addressing their immediate concerns and making them participants in all areas of peacebuilding and peacekeeping. This will continue to be a priority in our post-conflict peacebuilding efforts. Successful peacebuilding means working to ensure that gender equality and women's empowerment - including economic empowerment, human security, human rights and development - mesh together.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“We were one ofthe first countries to sign the Secretary-General's voluntary compact on preventing and addressing sexual exploitation and abuse. Our President, His Excellency Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, has joined the Secretary-General's Circle of Leadership on preventing and responding to sexual exploitation and abuse in United Nations operations, and we have made contributions to the United Nations Trust Fund in support of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse. Historically, Sri Lanka has made strides in the area of women's empowerment. We adopted a women's charter two years before the Beijing Platform for Action, and we already have in place a national plan of action on women. But we know that more remains to be done.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“In that regard, we are pleased to announce that Sri Lanka has taken the initiative - together with the participation of the Permanent Mission of Canada, the International Civil Society Action Network and the Association of War Affected Women - to co-host a side event at the United Nations on 31 October on ending sexual exploitation and abuse and increasing the numbers of women in peacekeeping, in order to mark the seventeenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000). We invite everyone here to attend this interactive discussion so that we can raise greater awareness and work together to better serve our communities. Sri Lanka has demonstrated its wholehearted commitment to the elimination of sexual exploitation and abuse.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“There is undoubtedly an indissoluble link between gender inequality and international peace and security. Indeed, finding ways to increase women's inclusion in peacekeeping and end the problem of sexual abuse and exploitation have been two of the most challenging aspects of the women and peace and security agenda. Despite several Council resolutions, including resolution 2106 (2013), which encouraged troop- and police-contributing countries to increase the number of women recruited and deployed in peace operations, and resolution 2272 (2016), of March 2016, which explicitly tackled sexual exploitation and abuse, a holistic transformative culture remains largely absent.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“1 thank the French presidency of the Security Council for organizing today's open debate. I would also like to thank the briefers for their remarks and to acknowledge the contributions by the Executive Director of UN-Women and other representatives. As we mark the seventeenth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000), it presents an opportunity to reflect on our achievements and challenges in the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda. The issues of the different impact that armed conflict has on women and girls and their exclusion from conflict prevention, peacebuilding and peacekeeping continue to be critical aspects of the work that we still have ahead of us in that regard, at both the international and domestic levels.”
2017-10-27 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8079 (2017) · source
“We hope that the Palestinian people will work together to preserve national unity, which is imperative for the creation of a fully sovereign, independent Palestine.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“Indiscriminate attacks against Israeli civilians will lead to a counterproductive cycle of violence. We urge both parties to respect international humanitarian law and exercise the utmost restraint for the sake of the safety of civilians. It is important to stay engaged in finding ajust and durable solution to the situation in the Middle East. Sri Lanka supports the implementation of the General Assembly resolution regarding the inalienable rights of the Palestinian to statehood. We are encouraged that, in spite of decades of disappointment, the people of Palestine have resolutely sustained their spirit and strength of purpose to gain their legitimate rights. They have prevailed over the considerable challenges facing them.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“As Chair of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories, Sri Lanka is particularly concerned about the escalating violence and the number of civilian casualties, which include infants. The international community has repeatedly called for a freeze to Israel's settlement activities. Both parties to the conflict must create the necessary environment to facilitate peace. There is an urgent need for mutual confidence-building measures in support of efforts to resume dialogue and substantive negotiations. Israel must protect the Palestinian civilian population in the occupied territories and desist from actions that run contrary to the established rules of international law and practice. We recognize the security needs of Israel.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“The world must not forget the dire humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories - especially in Gaza, were the conditions are intolerable - especially at this time of unprecedented unrest in the Middle East, when we are focused on the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and the demanding refugee crisis in Syria. Sri Lanka supports the work of United Nations agencies in occupied Palestinian territories, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which keep the majority of people in Gaza supplied with the bare necessities, including education.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“Sri Lanka welcomes the plenary meeting of the General Assembly to be held tomorrow on the situation in Syria. We are deeply conscious of the dire need on the part of the international community to address the overwhelming humanitarian needs of Syrians and to halt all attacks against civilian targets. In that context, the question of Palestine takes on additional importance. Sri Lanka reaffirms its steadfast support of the Palestinian cause. This debate reminds us once again of the urgency of finding a just solution to the question of Palestine and addressing the plight of Palestinian people.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“Let me join the other speakers in commending the President for convening this timely and important debate. Sri Lanka associates itself with the statement made by the representative of Venezuela on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. I wish to make this statement in my national capacity. Conflicts in Syria and Yemen, an unprecedented refugee crisis and a humanitarian situation of epic proportions in various areas - including the the surge in violent extremism and terrorism 4 have contributed to the growing instability across the Middle East. The unabated shelling and airstrikes, such as in Aleppo, have caused untold suffering, and the images oflittle children caught in the crossfire are more than humankind should have to bear. Sri Lanka calls upon the parties concerned to find a peace deal in Syria without delay.”
2016-10-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7792 (2016) · source
“We believe that a transparent, sustainable and credible plan for multilateral nuclear disarmament is required in order to achieve the ultimate goal of a world free of weapons of mass destruction. Their total elimination is the only absolute guarantee against the use or threat of use of these weapons. All States have an obligation to negotiate in good faith to achieve the objective of the total elimination of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. We wish to reiterate the centrality of the international treaty regime, including the NPT, as well as the Action Plan of the 2010 NPT Review Conference and the 13 practical steps towards nuclear disarmament agreed to at the 2000 NPT Review Conference, and the importance of adherence to all other principal legal instruments in that field.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“This debate will no doubt make rich contributions to that ongoing comprehensive review process, which is expected to come up with proposals by the end of the year for Member States to strengthen the implementation of the resolution. The review process must address new challenges that have arisen, such as the utilization of information and technological developments, particularly on the Internet, for proliferation purposes. The challenges that developing countries face with regard to capacity- building and training needs in their efforts to achieve the objectives of resolution 1540 (2004) must also be addressed. Sri Lanka's commitment to the elimination of the threat posed by nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction is reflected in the international treaty obligations we have undertaken in the field of disarmament.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Apart from the key instruments in the field of disarmament, such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), there is the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, which address specific situations involving access to nuclear material by non-State actors. They provide a comprehensive normative framework for international cooperation to address this challenge. We also welcome the work carried out by Spain as Chair ofthe Committee established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1540 (2004) in the comprehensive review of the resolution.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Resolution 1540 (2004), a key component of the global non-proliferation architecture, underlines the importance of promoting dialogue and cooperation among States in addressing the threat posed by the proliferation of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery. This open debate is an important step in that direction. Strengthening the disarmament treaty regime is essential to ensure a rules-based regime for nuclear disarmament. In that connection, we wish to recall, and reiterate our support for, the key recommendations of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission of 2006, specifically with regard to the paramount value of multilateralism and the overall importance of treaties and international law in achieving the goal of disarmament.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“As the menace ofterrorism, with the increasing threat of destabilization of established States, continues to confront the international community, there is the danger that weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery and related material will fall into the hands of non-State actors, with unthinkable consequences. Our urgent attention must be focused on this grave issue. There is a dire a need to enhance the coordination of efforts at national, subregional, regional and international levels in order to strengthen a global response to that serious challenge and the threat it poses to international security.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“Let me take this opportunity to join other speakers in commending the Malaysian presidency for convening this timely open debate on the challenges we face in addressing the proliferation ofweapons ofmass destruction, their means of delivery and related materials. We express our appreciation to Mr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs of Malaysia, for presiding over the meeting this morning, and to the Secretary- General for his opening remarks. The need to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction is now more urgent than ever.”
2016-08-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7758 (2016) · source
“It is in the hands of those of us who make decisions not only to set the right example, but to do everything in our power so that our children are armed with books, not guns, and that they play in sand boxes rather than hide behind sand bags. Finally, Sri Lanka wishes to thank United Nations agencies, in particular UNICEF and its dynamic Executive Director, Mr. Anthony Lake, as well as our bilateral partners for their assistance and support as we addressed the challenges and issues of child combatants during Sri Lanka's armed conflict. Sri Lanka stands steadfast in its support of the children of the world and stands ready to work with other Member States, particularly through sharing our experiences.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“We need to strengthen monitoring, reporting and response to child rights violations on the ground; implement existing United Nations action plans with armed forces and groups listed in the annexes to the Secretary-General's annual reports on children and armed conflict; and unanimously call for stronger protection of children's rights within United Nations peacekeeping operations. As we all know, children are the first and most vulnerable casualties of war. It is children who are exploited by non-State armed groups. It is children who are in the cross hairs. And impressionable as they are, children, at a young age, will watch, learn and shape our future on the basis of our actions.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“But in all our actions, compassion, kindness and understanding must serve as the common thread. Sri Lanka believes that there are three effective methods to reduce the recruitment of child combatants: first, political and economic pressure on the offending party; secondly, mobilizing resources for rehabilitation programmes; and, thirdly, addressing the socioeconomic, political and ideological dynamics that seduce children into groups like the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/ Da'esh. But there is more to be done. There must be an accurate and credible listing of perpetrators of the six grave violations against children identified by the Secretary-General.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“Those positive developments undertaken by Sri Lanka led the United Nations to delist Sri Lanka from annex 2 of the report of the Secretary-General on child combatants in 2012. Since January 2015, with positive changes in its Administration, Sri Lanka has been able to go further in its endeavours to chart a path of true reconciliation and justice. Our national initiatives and programme on rehabilitating and reintegrating former child combatants have been some of the most successful projects of that nature in recent history. However, demobilizing children from the ranks of non-State armed groups and their subsequent rehabilitation and reintegration into society are riddled with complications. There is no one-size-fits-all formula to address this issue.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“When the armed conflict ended, in May 2009, a total of 594 child combatants between 12 and 18 years of age surrendered. Sri Lanka considered those children victims of the conflict and took measures to rehabilitate and reintegrate the former child combatants by providing education, recreational facilities and vocational training, as well as psychological support to help them deal with their past. The strategies and activities included improving the physical and mental state by spiritual, psychosocial, personality and leadership training, followed by vocational and technical training in order to give them the best possible chance in life to become productive citizens. It was important to rebuild their trust in those who were meant to protect them, their trust in society and their faith even in themselves.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“It is important that children not be detained unless they are charged with recognizable offences, and then only in accordance with juvenile justice standards and rules of international law. Sri Lanka has emerged from a nearly 30-year violent conflict, which tore at the very fabric of our nation. During that time, Sri Lanka witnessed the unbearable horror of child soldiers, who were used as combatants by non-State armed groups. Those innocent victims were called the "baby brigade". Forty per cent of those children were girls. Many of them were taken forcibly from their villages or schools to serve as combatants or in support roles, such as cooks, and porters, among others. In the fog of war, many became the victims of conflict.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“As we approach the tenth anniversary of the Paris Principles - which are principles and guidelines on children associated with armed forces or armed groups - it is imperative that we as Member States respond to violent extremism with a multi-pronged approach that also addresses the root causes of poverty, marginalization and disaffection that lead to the killing, maiming, or forcible displacement and/or radicalization of children. The Secretary-General has raised concerns that current operations include the systematic treatment of children as security threats as opposed to victims, including the detention of children solely based on their alleged association with armed groups or forces.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“We note with great concern that children are the most significantly affected by violent extremism and too often are the direct targets of acts intended to cause the maximum civilian casualties and terrorize communities. Attacks on schools and hospitals were starkly prevalent this past year, and documented in 19 out of 20 situations of conflict. The increasing use of air strikes and explosive weapons in populated areas has had a devastating impact on schools and hospitals.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“More than 65 million people have fled their homes due to conflict and violence, and about half of those affected are children. As Member States, we must make it our responsibility to protect those children forcibly displaced and to ensure their access to health and education. Sri Lanka commends the efforts of the Secretary- General on his annual report (S/2016/360) on children and armed conflict covering the year 2015. We also welcome the briefing he gave this moring. We continue to hear the same horrifying tale of the increasing impact of terrorism and violent extremism on children from Yemen to Nigeria to Syria, and from Afghanistan to Somalia to South Sudan.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“My delegation would like to extend warm congratulations to Malaysia's presidency of the Security Council for the month of August and to commend the President for convening this most important debate on children in armed conflict. We attach particular significance to the fact that Malaysia is the current Chair of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict. We also take note of the work of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Leila Zerrougi. Given the horrendous threat to posed to international peace and security by terrorism and violent extremism, we welcome the particular emphasis at this debate on the two thematic areas, namely, reducing the impact of violent extremism on children, and children displaced in conflict.”
2016-08-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7753 (2016) · source
“The question of Palestine remains a serious threat to international peace and security. Therefore, a comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian question is a priority for the international community. Despite decades of disappointment, we are encouraged that the people of Palestine have resolutely sustained their spirit and the strength of purpose to gain their legitimate rights and have prevailed over the considerable challenges facing them. We hope that the Palestinian people will work together to preserve national unity, which is imperative for the creation of a fully sovereign, independent Palestine. Finally, we also welcome resolution 2254 (2015), which endorses the road map for a peace process in Syria and sets a timetable for talks. Its effective implementation will be Vital for the overall situation in the Middle East.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“Sri Lanka supports the implementation of General Assembly resolutions regarding the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood and the attainment of a two-State solution on the basis of the 1967 borders. The Viability of the two-State solution will depend on the political unity and economic advancement of the Palestinian people. We are confident that Palestinian internal reconciliation efforts will continue. The progress made by the Palestinian Authority, despite severe political and economic constraints, is commendable. Sri Lanka fully supports the work of United Nations agencies serving Palestinians, but it is important to realize that continued indiscriminate attacks against civilians will only enhance feelings of desperation and insecurity.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“Both parties to the conflict must create the necessary environment to facilitate peace. There is an urgent need for mutual confidence-building measures in support of efforts to resume dialogue and substantive negotiations. Israel must protect the Palestinian civilian population in the occupied territories and desist from actions that are contrary to the established rules of international law and practice. We are also mindful of the security needs of Israel. The indiscriminate attacks against Israeli civilians will lead to a counterproductive cycle ofviolence. We encourage both parties to exercise the utmost restraint for the sake of the safety of civilians and for the greater goal of peace. It is important to remain engaged in a just and durable solution to the situation in the Middle East.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“They need to be lifted within the framework of resolution 1860 (2009), as it would contribute considerably to the economic advancement of Gaza and the well-being of its people. My delegation calls for a just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine and an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people. The blockade of the Gaza Strip is yet another obstacle to peace. More than one year after widespread destruction in Gaza, thousands of families continue to live in their damaged homes, even during the winter months. As ofAugust 2015, only one third of the $4 billion pledged had been disbursed, and up to 100,000 Palestinians remained displaced and living in untenable conditions. Civilians are struggling for access to electricity, water and health care.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“The Security Council, the General Assembly, the Human Rights Council, the Economic and Social Council, as well as the International Court of Justice, have all unequivocally condemned the settlement activity as illegal. Ending such practices, which contribute to human suffering and continuing friction in the occupied territories, are essential steps that must be taken in order to improve the situation on the ground. Due to the blockade placed on Gaza, approximately 80 per cent of families there are now dependent on humanitarian aid from the United Nations for their survival. Unemployment levels remain at around 40 per cent and movement restrictions in and out of Gaza continue to be a major problem for the economy and welfare of the people of Palestine. Restrictions on imports and exports are stifling economic growth.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“We reiterate the need for continued funding by the donor community to enable UNRWA to function effectively. As Chair of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories, Sri Lanka is particularly concerned about the escalating Violence and the number of casualties that include infants. The root cause for the escalating Violence is the continuing policy of settlement expansion and the climate of impunity relating to the activities of the settlers. Israel's settlement activities violate international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, and exacerbate the incidents of violence in the region. The international community has repeatedly called for a freeze on settlement activity.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“Especially at this time of unprecedented unrest in the Middle East, when our focus is on the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/Daesh and the exigent refugee crisis in Syria, the world must not forget the dire humanitarian situation of the Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories, especially Gaza, where conditions are indefensible. We stress the urgency of leadership to end the marginalization and oppression of Palestinians in their own land. Sri Lanka supports the work of United Nations agencies in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which keep the majority of the people in Gaza supplied with the bare necessities, including education.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you, Sir, on your country's assumption of the presidency of the Security Council. I also join other speakers in commending the President for having convened today's timely and important debate. Sri Lanka associates itself with the statement made by the representative of Iran on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. Sri Lanka reaffirms its steadfast support to the Palestinian cause. This debate reminds us once again of the urgency of finding a just solution to the question of Palestine and addressing the plight of the Palestinian people.”
2016-01-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7610 (2016) · source
“We also support the implementation of United Nations resolutions, including resolution 242 (1967), regarding the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people to statehood, and the achievement of the two- State solution on the basis of the 1967 borders.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Terrorism originating from the Middle East region has the potential to pose a serious threat to the security and stability ofmany countries. In today's interconnected world, it is very easy for agents of extremism to spread their ideologies across national borders. In that regard, the lingering question of Palestine is one of the main factors driving the recruitment of terrorists in the region, as well as worldwide. We also call for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, which is essential for the preservation of overall peace in the Middle East. In conclusion, Sri Lanka wishes to reiterate its support for Palestine's application for admission to full membership of the United Nations.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source
“The situation of Palestinian detainees, including women and children, remains a serious concern. Palestinians are being held under administrative detention without charge or trial for an indefinite period of time. Administrative detention is permitted under international law only exceptionally and for short periods of time, but, regrettably, in the occupied Palestinian territories it remains the norm. Indiscriminate attacks against civilians will only enhance feelings of desperation and insecurity and widen the gap between the parties. The security needs ofthe people ofIsrael must also be respected. A climate conducive to peace will be encouraged if each side takes an approach sensitive to the other's concerns. We hope that all parties will engage constructively and sincerely to end the conflict and enable lasting peace.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source
“We also strongly support the work of the United Nations agencies in the occupied Palestinian territory, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which play key roles in serving Palestinians in the areas of their operations. Those areas include Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Recently, UNRWA experienced a financial crisis that nearly affected the operations of hundreds of schools run by the Agency. It is critical to avoid such situations in the future, as they aggravate the already difficult conditions faced by Palestinian children, which may, in turn, also encourage them to engage in acts of violence through desperation.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source
“That would contribute significantly to the economic advancement of Gaza and the well-being of the people. We note with concern that the United Nations is hard- pressed to keep the vast majority of the people of Gaza supplied with the minimum necessities. More than one year after the widespread destruction in Gaza last year, thousands of families continue to live in their damaged homes, with winter approaching. As of August 2015, only one third of the $4 billion pledged by the international community in Cairo in October 2014 has been disbursed. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have noted that up to 100,000 Palestinians remain displaced and live in precarious conditions, struggling to gain access to basic services such as electricity, water, sanitation and medical services.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source
“The international community has repeatedly encouraged concrete, credible steps, including a freeze on illegal settlement building, so as to jump-start meaningful negotiations. The parties must refrain from unilateral measures, which undermine the peace in the region. The ongoing settlement activities, which are illegal under international humanitarian law, need to end at the earliest, which would enable a sustainable peace. All sides should refrain from confrontational actions, which lead to a spiral of violence. The parties should build upon existing agreements, including the relevant Security Council resolutions. The blockade of the Gaza Strip is another obstacle to the peace process. Those restrictions need to be lifted within the framework of resolution 1860 (2009).”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source
“Ijoin other speakers in commending the President for convening this important debate. The Sri Lanka delegation associates itself with the statement made by the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Finding a just and durable solution to the situation in the Middle East has been a priority for the international community since 1948. As long as the question of Palestine continues to be unresolved, the Middle East will never achieve the peace desired. A just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine and an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people can be achieved only through negotiations and a political process that delivers real results and hope.”
2015-10-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7540Resumption1 (2015) · source