Statement by H.E. Jayantha Jayasuriya, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations
At the High-Level Open Debate of the Security Council on
‘Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and Peaceful Settlement of Disputes’
22 July 2025
Mr. President,
At the outset, let me congratulate Pakistan on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council and thank His Excellency Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan for convening this timely High-Level Open Debate on “Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and Peaceful Settlement of Disputes”
Sri Lanka is pleased to participate in today’s discussion on the pacific settlement of disputes - an essential pillar of the United Nations Charter and a core principle of our nations’ long-standing commitment to multilateralism.
As we mark the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, it is imperative that we renew our dedication to diplomacy, dialogue, and prevention of conflict. The geopolitical landscape has changed drastically since the formation of the UN in 1945. The challenges to peace and security today are more complex and interconnected than ever before. But we still have the tools – a guiding handbook - to address them; we must make full use of the Charter’s Chapter VI mechanisms and reaffirm the centrality of peaceful dispute resolution in the Security Council’s work.
Mr. President,
Too often, the tools and instruments at the Council’s disposal are only used after crises erupt. In this context, we believe that the Council should do more to promote early and sustained political dialogue and mediation before disputes escalate into heated conflict. Greater attention should also be given to the use of early warning systems, confidence-building measures, and preventive diplomacy missions - tools that we already have but remain underutilized. We encourage the Council to be more proactive, not reactive, if it is to fulfill its mandate under the Charter.
On the challenges to implementing Security Council resolutions, Sri Lanka emphasizes the need for consistency and accountability. Selective implementation tarnishes the credibility of this Council and weakens trust in the rules-based international order. It is important to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure that mandates are realistic, clearly defined, and adequately resourced. Implementation must not depend on political convenience. Mandates must be matched with the necessary financial, logistical, and political support, and regularly reviewed to adapt to evolving ground realities. Ensuring that all parties comply equally with Council decisions is essential to preserve the legitimacy and authority of the Council’s work.
We believe the Secretary-General must be further empowered to advance preventive diplomacy. The Council should actively support the Secretary-General’s use of his “good offices” and early warning capacities. When early signs of tension emerge, the Secretary-General should be able to act quickly and decisively, without allowing the alarming situations to escalate. More importantly, the Secretary-General must be backed by the political will of the Council and have the means to act effectively.
Lastly, Sri Lanka is convinced of the need for a broader approach to ensure global peace. We must address the myriad root causes of conflict. As we all are aware, conflicts are complex. The Council must embrace strategies that address the complexities by considering how peacebuilding, development, and human rights can help address security. This also includes investing in national capacities for reconciliation, and institution-building. Real peace is not just the absence of violence; We must also strive to allow every human to live in a world of fairness, opportunity, and mutual trust.
Mr. President,
As a country that emerged from decades of conflict, Sri Lanka understands the value of peace. We stand ready and eager to contribute to efforts that advance diplomacy and the prevention of conflict. Let us not wait for the next crisis to occur. Let us instead stand firm in our shared responsibility to uphold the Charter’s highest ideals and work together, through peaceful means, for a safer, more prosperous world.
Thank you.