Statement by H.E. Jayantha Jayasuriya, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations at the Informal Meeting of the General Assembly to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Signing of the United Nations Charter
26 June 2025
Mr. President,
At the outset, I extend my deep appreciation to you for convening this important informal meeting of the General Assembly to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter.
Sri Lanka aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of the Republic of Uganda on behalf of the NAM.
The 80th anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the foundational and enduring role of the Charter in shaping global affairs.
It became a lodestar for humanity - establishing a shared institution dedicated to maintaining international peace and security through dialogue and diplomacy, enhancing global cooperation through multilateralism, and protecting the rights and freedoms of all persons by introducing several universal frameworks.
While the United Nations has seen many success stories in advancing our shared aspirations, it has also faced profound challenges.
At times, the Organization and its Member States have fallen short in fulfilling their responsibilities-particularly in upholding the Charter’s overarching purpose: the maintenance of international peace and security. This collective shortcoming has contributed to unprecedented humanitarian crises over the decades.
However, we must not lose faith. Instead, we should draw lessons from these shortcomings, and firm resolve to prevent their recurrence. We must work together to ensure that no country, community, or individual is left behind.
Sri Lanka has been a staunch advocate of multilateralism, which we believe is the only avenue for addressing the complex problems we face today, be they related to security, development, trade, or climate change. The collective efforts and support of all Member States are required to ensure the sustainable prospects of the world.
In this context, we reiterate our steadfast commitment to multilateralism, steered by the UN Charter and the principles of equality, equity, and mutual respect. We are optimistic that the deliberations today will reinvigorate our efforts to find solutions that are acceptable to all on the concerns demanding immediate attention and action.
Thank you