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H. E. Ban Ki – Moon The Secretary General Address to 71st Session of the General Assembly 21st September 2016 Excellencies,
Anniversary of the UnitedLadies Nations and Gentlemen, I stand before you with gratitude for your support across the decade I have had the privilege to serve the United Nations. In taking the oath of office in December 2006, I pledged to work with you for “we the peoples”. With the Charter as our guide, and the dedication of the staff, we have achieved much together. I also stand before you with deep concern. Yet after ten years in office, I am more convinced than ever that we have the power to end war, poverty and persecution. We have the means to prevent conflict. We have the potential to close the gap between rich and poor, and to make rights real in people’s lives. With the Sustainable Development Goals, we have a manifesto for a better future. With the Paris Agreement on climate change, we are tackling the defining challenge of our time. We have no time to lose. I urge you to bring the Paris Agreement into force this year. (We need just 26 countries representing just 15 per cent of emissions.) I ask you to help lead us to a world of low-carbon growth, increased resilience and greater opportunity and well-being for our children. These great gains are threatened by grave security threats. Armed conflicts have grown more protracted and complex. Governance failures have pushed societies past the brink. My message to all is clear: serve your people; Do not subvert democracy; do not pilfer your country’s resources; do not imprison and torture your critics. Allow me to briefly touch on a few other areas that I hope will long remain priorities of the United Nations. I am proud that UN Women came to life during my tenure. It is now our established champion of gender equality and empowerment, aiming for a “50-50 planet”. I have appointed more women to senior positions at the United Nations than ever before – and I am proud to call myself a feminist. Women hold up half the sky and are essential to meeting all our goals. So we must do far more to end deep-seated discrimination and chronic violence against women, to advance their participation in decision-making, and to ensure that every girl gets the start in life she deserves. I have been a proud a defender of the rights of all people, regardless of ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. Our human rights machinery – along with the Human Rights up Front initiative – is placing human rights at the center. Human rights are the pillars of society – and the antidotes to violent extremism and civic despair. We have deepened support for the Responsibility to protect. We have made inroads against the death penalty. Landmark convictions by the International Criminal Court and other bodies have advanced accountability – but we still must do far more to prevent genocide and other atrocity crimes.
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Civil society is essential for all of these efforts. I ask all of you to join me today in saying “yes” to greater space for civil society and independent media, and “no” to cracking down on the freedoms of assembly and expression. Continued progress will require new heights of solidarity. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Member States have still not agreed on a formula for reform of the Security Council – a continuing risk to its effectiveness and legitimacy. In the same spirit, I want to put on the table a major and much needed reform for fairness and effectiveness in the United Nations. Far too often, I have seen widely – supported proposals blocked, in the name of consensus, by a few or even just one country. We see this being done by large and small countries alike. Time and again, I have seen essential action and good ideas blocked in the Security Council. Blocked in the General Assembly. Blocked in the budget process, the Conference on disarmament and other bodies. We see this being done by large and small countries alike. Is it fair in this complicated world for any one country to yield such disproportionate power, and hold the world hostage on so many important issues? Consensus should not be confused with unanimity. The global public is right to ask whether this is how an organization in which we have invested so much hope and aspirations should function. I propose, Mr. President that you explore, with my successor, the establishment of a high-level panel to find practical solutions that will improve decision-making at the United Nations. States must also respect the independence of the Secretariat, in accordance with the Charter. When our reports say what needs to be said, Member States should not try and rewrite history. When our human rights personnel act on behalf of the most vulnerable, Member States should not block their path. When our humanitarian workers need to reach populations under siege, Member States should remove all obstacles. And when our envoys and personnel raise difficult issues, Member States should not ostracize them or threaten to banish them from the country. For me, it is all a reminder of the power of individuals to change the world. After all, people power helped make the 2030 Agenda the most inclusive development process of our time. People power mobilized millions to push leaders to take climate action. People power is what I have seen in every corner of the world this past decade. A perfect world may be on the far horizon. But a route to a better world, a safer world, a more just world, is in each and every one of us. Ten years on, I know that together, united, we can get there. Thank you.
SECRETARY GENERAL in Sri Lanka 31st August to 2nd September 2016
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H.E. Mr. Peter Thomson President of the Seventy First Session of the United Nations General Assembly Ambassador Peter Thomson was selected as the president of the 71 session of the General Assembly, at a meeting held on 16th June 2016. Mr. Thomson born in Suva, Fiji in 1948, was educated at Suva Grammar School and Natabua High School. In 1966-67, he attended the International Centre at Sevenoaks School, UK. He graduated from Auckland University (B.A. Political Studies) in New Zealand, and Cambridge University (Post-Grad. Diploma in Development Studies) in the United Kingdom. Between 1972 and 1987 Ambassador Thomson worked as a civil servant in the Government of Fiji in the fields of rural development and foreign affairs. His government career began as a district officer in the rural regions of Navua, Macuata and Taveuni. In 1978 he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Suva, where he worked on political, protocol and foreign aid responsibilities, before being seconded to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in 1979.The Government of Fiji posted him to Tokyo in 1980 as Chargé d’ Affaires, with the responsibility of opening the Fiji Embassy in Japan. He remained in Tokyo thereafter as First Secretary (Economic) until 1984, when he was appointed Fiji Consul-General in Sydney. In 1986 he returned to Fiji to become Permanent Secretary of Information, first under the leadership of Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, and then under Prime Minister Dr Timoci Bavadra. In May 1987, he was appointed Permanent Secretary to the Governor-General Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau, a position he held until his resignation from the civil service. Ambassador Thomson has been a board member of the Fiji Visitors Bureau, Fiji TV and Fiji Broadcasting Commission. From 1988 to 2009 he worked in private enterprise as a company director and investment/management consultant specializing in Pacific affairs. He was a founding director of Tabua Investments Ltd, the Denarau Island Resort development company. He was appointed as the Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in February 2010. He served concurrently as Fiji’s Ambassador to Cuba. Ambassador Thomson has held office as Vice President of the UN General Assembly for the 2011-2012 session and as President of the Assembly of the International Seabed Authority for the 2011-2012 session. For the duration of 2013, he chaired the United Nation's largest negotiating bloc, the Group of 77 and China. From January 2014 to January 2015, he served as President of the Executive Board of UNDP/UNFPA/UNOPS. He was the President of the Council of the International Seabed Authority for its 2015-2016 session until his present appointment. Ambassador Thomson is a founder member of the executive committees of the Australia-Fiji Business Council and the New Zealand-Fiji Business Council. He is a published author, with one of his books, ‘Kava in the Blood’, being the winner of a Montana book award for non-fiction. In 2014 he was made an Officer of the Order of Fiji, an award bestowed by the President of Fiji recognising contributions and achievements by Fijians to the nation. He married Marijcke Thomson in Suva in 1973, and they have two children and three grand-children. Annual 2016
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Message from Ms. Una McCauley, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka I extend my warmest wishes to the United Nations Association as we celebrate the 71st United Nations Day. Last year, together with the people of Sri Lanka we marked the twin anniversaries of 70 years of the United Nations and 60 years of UN in Sri Lanka. Throughout the year, collectively, we highlighted UN’s many and enduring achievements, and our collective resolve to do more to promote peace and security, sustainable development and human rights. It was also a time when we celebrated Sri Lankan peoples’ contribution to the UN system over 60 years of membership. Today, as we mark one year since the Sustainable Development Goals, we have to renew our commitment to achieve equitable and sustainable development. When the 193 Member States of the United Nations unanimously adopted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals last September, their message was clear. They are about leaving no one behind. All of us can be sustainable development advocates and spread the word about the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. Let us all work together to help all human beings achieve dignity and equality; to build a greener planet; and to make sure no one is left behind. I take this opportunity to express my best wishes to the United Nations Association, and my gratitude to your vital contributions towards our development efforts.
The United Nations General Assembly appointed António Guterres, a former Prime Minister of Portugal, who was also a Former UN High Commissioner for Refugees as the 9th Secretary General of United Nations upon the recommendations by the Security Council, to take over from Mr. Ban Ki - Moon when he steps down on 31st December 2016. Mr. Guterres was the leading contender to be SG at the informal selection process conducted by the General Assembly. He obtained the most number of votes in all straw polls conducted by the Security Council.
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H.E. Maithripala Sirisena President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka The Address to the 71st Session of the General Assembly of United Nations 21st September 2016.
Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am extremely happy to take part in this 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. I wish to bring to the notice of Your Excellencies the current situation in my country. For the last twenty months, I have given the leadership to usher 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 could end that period and lay the foundation for strengthening rule of law and restoring democratic rights for the people of Sri Lanka to live happily in a free and democratic society. My government’s intention is to make the people of Sri Lanka one of the happiest among the world communities. For that purpose, the government is committed to strengthening freedom and democracy, while achieving economic prosperity. The government is committed to make the people of Sri Lanka a developed nation. Poverty is a global challenge. I am determined to alleviate poverty in my country. I declared 2017 as the Year of ‘Alleviation of Poverty’ in Sri Lanka. I have given lead to creating the basic platform for the people to free themselves poverty in a county that prioritizes economic progress. Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Sustainable Development Agenda is upheld as the guiding principles for all nations and institutions lead by United Nations in bringing about economic, social and environmental transformations to make a world a better place. In that, we have identified that economic development plays a key role, while environmental sustainability, specially the Paris Agreement, which, the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon initiated, will remain a main pillar in our endeavor to bring about the necessary changes in the country. With the educated younger generations in mind, that national development strategy of Sri Lanka will give prominence to build a ‘green’ and an innovation-based economy through progressive reforms and planning. As an Island-Nation, Sri Lanka wishes to make maximum use of the ocean with new light on ocean research, tourism, fisheries and marine resources. The government wants to further improve the free healthcare system and the free education system while bringing in more technology into agriculture and domestic industries in order to ensure that our people live better lives. In many parts of the world, we see the unfortunate proliferation of anger, hatred, and brutality. I would call that the contemporary society is experiencing a crisis of morality. I believe that all states should pay heed to the cry for moral values. I believe that every society must dedicate itself to raise its share 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 the wisdom offered by the great world religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and others can help Annual 2016
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us today. As such, I am of the view that we, as states, can strengthen and foster those religions and philosophies that help us look inward. I take this opportunity to draw the attention of this apex audience to a great obstacle for our progress as the world community. It is the menace of drugs and intoxicants that has beset the societies including the youth and the school children. As the President of Brazil pointed out, illicit drugs have become the most serious challenge faced by our societies today. While endorsing his ideas, I would urge the world community, the United Nations and all the states to commit themselves to fight illegal drugs collectively and individually through a robust international programme that is more organized and stronger than now. In the domestic front, my government has taken effective measures to strengthen democracy, rule of law and good governance in the country paving the way for a positive change to ensure that there will be no more wars on the soils of my country, Sri Lanka. The reconciliation process that is underway today has learnt from the bitter experience of a brutal war of three decades. It will guarantee that my country will not see the cruelty of war and terrorism again and that all communities will live peacefully in a rational and a free-thinking Sri Lanka. For this noble purpose, Sri Lanka welcomes the collaboration and the blessings of the world. Sri Lanka, being a free, independent and a sovereign nation with territorial integrity, like all other nations that have gathered here today, will find its own recipe for the reconciliation process and necessary transformation and reform respecting the indigenous thinking that is essential to and accepted by the local people. Sri Lanka will adhere to a social democratic policy, and work closely with the world towards the progress to prosperity and wisdom along with the rest of the world. After a war that traumatized the nation for three decades, we have started the journey towards reconciliation and lasting peace. However, we have no hurry. We trod each wise step with care, vigilance, patience and persistence. My beloved Sri Lanka has big dreams. I look forward to your blessings and collaboration to accomplish them. I must thank the United Nations and its offices for the support they give to Sri Lanka. I am honoured to mention the contribution made by the outgoing UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to foster international development, strengthen democracy and human rights. It is a blessing to the humankind. In conclusion, I emphasize my commitment to empower our youth with the best knowledge in the world and to make Sri Lanka an exemplary democracy in the world. My government will fulfil its responsibilities towards the people and I seek your assistance and blessings in this noble endeavor. Thank you
May the Triple Gem bless you!
President Sirisena With Secretary General Ban Ki – Moon At the United Nations Head Quarters
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Prof. Lakshman Marasinghe President United Nations Association of Sri Lanka Message on the 71st Observance Day Since we celebrated last year (2015), the sixty-fifth anniversary of the founding of this Association, the United Nations as a source for the maintenance of World Order, has faced many difficult problems, in several areas of action in several different member countries. The Civil wars that are raging, in particular, in Syria, Iraq and the Yemen, and the several sociopolitical conflicts that these have sprouted, such as the newly established ISIS, appears to be both uncontrollable and indeed insoluble. However, those dark clouds have produced a few silver linings. The peace settlement that the Government of Columbia has reached, with the F.A.R.C. movement, after battling for two decades, was considered the first in history that members of a terrorist movement had sat around a negotiating table, and had negotiated peace. The cessation of hostilities and the laying down of Arms, through negotiations have been a significant event which earned the Nobel Peace prize by the Columbian President. Additionally, the settlement with the Islamic Republic of Iran over nuclear proliferation helped to remove the crippling sanctions that had liberated that nation, to be yet again financially strong. Another aspect that is affecting some of the developing economies is the depression felt in the price of oil. Many of the oil producing nations like Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Venezuela have become adversely affected and have begun to roll back both economic and its developmental goals. Canada has suffered a diminution of the value of its currency. Nature too has been particularly cruel in many places. Earthquakes and recurring flash floods have affected people who inhabit several parts of the world during the past year. New fangled health issues have also affected a number of people in several parts of the world. The Zeika virus which is transferred by the mosquito had largely affected expectant mothers in many parts of the world, now, even expectant mothers in the USA. The malarial mosquito has yet again raised its ugly head in Nigeria. With all these tales of gloom Sri Lanka has moved through a complete cycle of twelve months, since my last message, with a sense of freedom and tranquility. It has moved through a period of a large measure of economic, social and political stability. In conclusion therefore I wish the coming year, of 2017, shall provide the world at large, and Sri Lanka in particular, a measure of peace within and stability with a sense of satisfaction by all.
PROF. LAKSHMAN MARASINGHE LL.B(Lond) LL.M(Lond) PH.D(Lond) LL.D(Col)
PRESIDENT
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Mr. Errol Smith Secretary General United Nations Association of Sri Lanka Message on the 71st Observance Day It is indeed my proud privilege, as the newly elected Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of Sri Lanka to pen this message when the UNASL celebrates its 66th Anniversary. In 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organizations to draw up the United Nations Charter which was signed on 26th June, 1945 and the United Nations officially came into existence on 24th October, 1945. Therefore, this year marks the 71st anniversary of the United Nations. The United Nations Association of Sri Lanka (UNASL) was established under the guidance of the late Right Honorable D.S. Senanayake PC, MP, the first Prime Minister of Ceylon, on the 19th August, 1950, five years before Sri Lanka was admitted as a Member State of the United Nations on 14th December, 1955. In 1951, the United Nations Association of Sri Lanka was admitted as a member of the World Federation of United Nations Association (WFUNA), joining the rest of the world comprising around 100 member countries, in hosting seminars, lectures, educational sessions and inter-school competitions throughout the country, thus creating a better understanding among communities. UNASL currently has over 1600 members, comprising Special Life, Life, Annual Members as well as 325 schools (reaching around 165,000 students) registered under an island wide UNA Study Circles programme, approved by the Ministry of Education. It also has conferred categories of membership such as Diplomatic Membership for Ambassadors and High Commissioners currently accredited to Sri Lanka. Through these activities, there are ample opportunities to reflect on the success and challenges of the common people as well as to consider the significant accomplishments the organization has contributed to maintaining peace and security, promoting human rights and democracy, providing solutions to environmental issues, the alleviation of poverty and economic development. We strongly advocate the principles and policies on which this great organization was established through the initiative of our former Secretary-General and Founder the late Mr. Kumaran Fernando which we are able to achieve through the commitment and dedication the dynamic team of volunteers of the National Executive Committee of the UNASL. On behalf of the UNASL, I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the United Nations in Sri Lanka, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all those who have contributed in many ways towards the success of this event as well as for the progress of the activities of the UNASL and we look forward to the unstinted support and co-operation of every one, in all our future activities as well.
ERROL SMITH SECRETARY-GENERAL
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The Activities of the UNASL during the year 2015-2016 UNASL conducted its activities for the 65th year under the guidance of the National Executive Committee. Highlights of activities are indicated below.
1. National Observance of the 70th United Nations Day. National Observance of the UN Day was conducted under the distinguished patronage of Hon. Dr. Harsha De Silva acting Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Bishop’s College Auditorium on 18th October 2015. Hon. Ms. Bath S. Crawford Resident Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for Sri Lanka and Maldives was the Guest of Honor. Welcome address was made by Brigadier General G. V. Elapata the Executive Chairman. Thereafter the Dr. Harsha De Silva addressed the guests. Other speakers were Ms. Bath S. Crawford, the guest of honor and Ms. Kumari Wickramasinghe while the key note address was delivered by Ms. Dunya Jayamani Jayasekara of Visaka Vidyalaya Colombo 05, the winner of the speech contest conducted by the UNASL as a part of Study Circle Activities. Awards were distributed to winners of the Best Study Circle. Awards were also presented for a few members of the UNASL for their invaluable contribution to the UN and the UNASL. Cultural items were presented by students of Ladies College in Colombo and the Toastmasters Gavel Club. Members of the Diplomatic corps, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the UN offices in Colombo and School teachers and students attached to Study Circles were present. The vote of thanks was delivered by the Secretary General Mr. M. M. Zawahir.
2. Observance of the International Peace Day 2016. International Peace Day was observed on 21st September 2016 at the UNASL Secretariat at Panadura. Brigadier General Granville Elapata Chairman, Diplomatic and Foreign Relation Committee and members of the National Executive Committee of UNASL hoisted the National Flag, Peace Day Flag and the UNASL Flag in the presence of other members of the National Executive. Dr. Parakrama Silva conducted a discussion of a merits of peace to Sri Lanka as well as to the whole world. International Peace Day has been conducted by the UNASL for a continuous period of nearly 20 years.
3. The Schools Study Circle Programme. The UNA Study Circle Programme inaugurated in 1981 has a membership of 328 partner schools at present. The Study Circle Programme, 2016 was conducted at the Premises of the Sri Vijaya Saugatha Vidyalaya, Panadura on the 17th of September as the part of the UN Day celebrations. Three contests namely, the Speech contest on the UN theme for 2016, the International Year of Pulses, an Essay contest on “Sustainable Development Goals, lessons to be learnt for Sri Lanka” and the General Knowledge contest were conducted. Details of winners are indicated elsewhere.
4. The 64th Public Lecture. Public Lecture Series which was conducted by the UNASL was re commenced with the 64th Lecture conducted by Hon. Dr. Jayampathy Wickramaratne, MP, President’s Counsel on the topic “Constitutional Reforms in Sri Lanka: Problems and Prospects.” Dr. Wickramaratne is a member of the Steering Committee of the Constitutional Assembly and the Chair of the Committee on Constitutional Reforms at the Prime Minister’s office. The Lecture was well attended with members of the Diplomatic corps and other members of the public specially intellectuals interested in the theme of constitutional reforms being present.
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5. School Seminars. A Leadership Training workshop was conducted by Richmond College, Galle on 07th February 2016 under the auspices of the UNASL with the Assistance of old boys of and the school development society and other private sector well-wishers with the participation of five schools selected from the Southern Province. The objectives were to provide opportunities for students to get involved in Leadership training and public speaking and presentation and to indicate to students the importance of developing a balanced personality.
6. Kanagawa art Exhibition. The UNASL will forward Artworks of children from Study Circles to the 19th Kanagawa Biennial World Children’s Art Exhibition to be conducted by the Japan Overseas Cooperative Association (JOCA) for children of 4 – 15 years. In the past, children of Study Circles have won various prizes and awards.
7. Visit to Chennai by the President of UNASL. Prof. Lakshman Marasinghe met Mr. Americai Narayanan Secretary of Tamil Nadu FUNA who had been a secretary of IFUNA in Chennai in June, 2016. They discussed matters of mutual interest and pledged to maintain close ties between the two UNA’s.
8. Assistance to Floods Victims. UNASL played a leading role in assisting families affected by recent floods in the Mulleriyawa region. Assistance was obtained from the staff of Emirates National Oil Company, Dubai, UAE. This assistance was facilitated by Mr. M. M. M. Rifathudeen and Deshakeerthi M. M. M. Rushanudeen, JP (W/I). Donations were distributed on 21st May 2016 at a simple ceremony attended by office bearers of the UNASL.
9. Meeting with the Deputy Foreign Minister. A delegation led by Prof. Lakshman Marasinghe met Dr. Harsha De Silva, Deputy Foreign Minister in February 2016 to discuss matters of importance to the UNASL inclusive of using the Lakshman Kadiragamar Institute of International Relations & Strategic Studies for public lectures to be organized by the UNASL, renewal of the circular by the Ministry of Education to the secondary schools and also obtaining of assistance through the ministry budget for some of the UNASL activities. UNASL benefited immensely from this discussion. Brigadier General G. V. Elapata, Mr. M. M. Zawahir and Dr. G. P. P. Silva participated at the discussions.
10. Annual General Meeting. Annual General Meeting for the year 2015/2016 was held on 27th March 2016 at the National Secretariat, Panadura chaired by the President Prof. Lakshman Marasinghe. The report for the year 2015 and the financial report were presented by Secretary General and the Treasurer respectively and was approved by the membership. The new Executive Committee recommended by the outgoing Executive Committee was approved by the membership. Members were hosted to lunch at the conclusion of the meeting.
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UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION IN THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC
OF SRI LANKA List of Patrons, Vice Patrons & Honourary Members Patron: His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Patrons Emeritus: H.E. President Mahinda Rajapaksha H.E. President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumarathunga (Life Member) Chief Vice Patron: Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe (Life Member) Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Vice Patrons: Hon. Karu Jayasooriya M.P. (Life Member) Speaker of Parliament Hon. R. Sampanthan M.P. Leader of the Opposition H.E. Srilankabimana Christopoher Gregory Weeramantry Judge of the International Court of Justice
The late Desamanya Ambassador Dr. Gamini Corea The late Desamanya Ambassador Dr. V.L.B. Mendis Desabandu Dr. Siran Deraniyagala (Life Member) Desamanya Ambassador Nissanka Wijewardene (Life Member) Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala (Former under Secretary-General of the United Nations for Disarmament Affairs and Chairman of the UN Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty Conference) Hon. Justice Shirani Tilakawardene (Judge of the Supreme Court) Past Patrons who were Governors – General of the Dominion and/or Presidents of Sri Lanka: H.E. the late Rt. Hon. Herewald Ramsbothan (Baron Soulbury of Soulbury – Second Governor-General of Ceylon) H.E. the late Sir Oliver Ernest Goonetilleke (Third Governor-General of Ceylon)
Honourary and Founder Members: The late Kumaran Fernando The late Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali
H.E. the late William Gopallawa (Fourth and Last Governor-General of Sri Lanka and First President of the Republic)
Honourary Members: M.W. Deepika Priyanganie, BA Indrajith Wijekulasuriya Brigadier Granville Elapata vsv Dharmadasa Vitharana M.M. Zawahir HRH PRINCE DATO SERI Deshakeerthi Ambassador Dr. M. M. M. Rushanudeen JPWI Chandanie Kusumalatha Silva
H.E. the late Junius Richard Jayawardene (First Executive President of the Republic of Sri Lanka)
Honourary Life Presidents: The late Liyanage Henry Horace Perera
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H.E. the late Ranasinghe Premadasa (Second Executive President of the Republic of Sri Lanka) H.E. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (Fourth Executive President of the Republic of Sri Lanka) H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksha (Fifth Executive President of the Republic of Sri Lanka) P a g e 12
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Honourary Legal Advisors: M. Herman Perera, JP, UM, Attorney-atLaw (Senior Legal Advisor) Chitral Fernando, Attorney-at-Law Honourary Company Secretary: Rohana Manamperi, Attorney-at-Law Company Secretary Immediate Past President: Ms. Rohini Nanayakkara (Former Chairperson of Bank of Ceylon) Past Presidents: Rienzie T. Wijetilleke, FCIM Ambassador S.A.C.M. Zuhyle Ambassador General Cyril Ranatunge (Former Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, former Defence Secretary and former High Commissioner of the Court of Saint James) Desamanya Ambassador Nissanka Wijewardena (Former Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, former Chairman Bank of Ceylon, former Chairman of the Greater Colombo Economic Commission and former Secretary to the last Governor-General) The late Desamanya Ambassador Neville Kanakaratne (former Governor Southern Province, former Ambassador to the USA and the USSR, former High Commissioner to India, former Legal Advisor to three former Secretaries General of the United Nations and former UN Commissioner for Nambia) The late Desamanya Ambassador Dr. Vernon L.B. Mendis - M Phil (Lond), PhD (Colombo)
Former High Commissioner to the Court of Saint James and former Ambassador to France and former Director General of Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDT) Desamanya Dr. Gamini Corea - MA (Cantab), D Phil (Oxon.) (Former under Secretary-General of the UN and
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Secretary-General of the UNCTAD, former Ambassador to the European Union) Desabandu Dr. Siran Deraniyagala - MA (Cantab), PhD (Harv) Former Director General of Archaeology Dr. Lakshman Marasinghe - LL.B (Lond), LL.M (Lond), PhD (Lond), LL.D (Colombo)
(Professor and Head of the Faculty of Law, University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada) The late Desabandu Dr. F.G. Hudson Silva (Founder and President of the Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society) The late Hon. Felix R. Dias Bandaranaike, MP
(Former Finance Minister of Sri Lanka) Senator the late Hon. Dr. M.V.P. Peiris The late Hon. Major Montague Jayawickreme MP Past vice Patrons who were Prime Ministers of Sri Lanka The late Rt. Hon. Don Stephen Senanayake, PC, MP The late Hon. Dudley Shelton Senanayake, MP The late General the Rt. Hon. Sir John Lionel Kotalawala, PC, CH, KBE, MP The Hon. Solomon West Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, MP The Hon. Dr. Wijayananda Dahanayaka,MP The Hon. Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike, MP The Hon. J. R. Jayawardhana, MP The Hon. Ranasinghe Premadasa, MP The Hon. Dingiri Banda Wijetunga, MP The Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, MP The Hon. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge, MP The Hon. Mahinda Rajapakse, MP The Hon. Rathnasiri Wickramanayake, MP The Hon. D. M. Jayarathne, MP Honourary Permanent Resident Representatives (Overseas) Thalif Deen at the United Nations in New York. Eng. A.A. Irshad Ahamed for Malaysia, Indonesia & Singapore
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Members of the National Executive Committee 2016/2017 President: Dr. Lakshman Marasinghe - LL.B (Lond), LL.M (Lond), PhD (Lond), LL.D (Col)
Executive Chairman: M.M. Zawahir - MBA (Manipala), MABE (UK), Dip IR (BCIS)
Secretary-General: Errol Smith - FIM (SL), FCPM, AMIA (UK), MJF, O St.J
Treasurer: S.I.A. Kabeer Editor/Assistant Treasurer: Dharmadasa Vitharana Deputy Executive Chairpersons: Dr. D.W. Weerasooriya HRH PRINCE DATO SERI Deshakeerthi Ambassador Dr.M.M.M.Rushanudeen JPWI Vice Chairpersons: Brigadier Granville Elapata, vsv Dr. K.D.S. Ranasinghe D.M. Siriwardena
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Assistant Secretaries: Sampath Priyankara E. Karunaratne Dr. M.Z.M. Nizar Ms. P.R. Mallika Philips Desamanya Ananda T. Malalgoda JP (W/I) Dr. K.A. Abeywardena Members: Deshakeerthi M.Z.M. Hanieffa JP (W/I) Desamanya Eng. N. Rajkumar M.D.L.D. Peiris U.A.A. Marsook T.S.N. Fernando Major General Dr. K.D.P. Perera Honourary ExCo Members: Dr. G.P.P. Silva MBBS (Cey) DPH (Lond) FRIPHH (Lond) Mahesh Jayasinghe Meril Perera Ms. B.M. Perera K.D.A. Jayaratne
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More & more Anniversaries of the United Nations Celebration of three anniversaries of the United Nations was discussed in the Annual of previous year. First, 70th Anniversary of the United Nations, Secondly the 60th Anniversary of Sri Lanka gaining membership of the United Nations and thirdly, the 65th Anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Association of Sri Lanka, which was formed even before Sri Lanka gained admission to the United Nations. It is noted that two vital organs of the United Nations celebrated their Seventieth anniversaries in the year 2016. They are the Economic and Social Council of the UN and the International Court of justice, the judicial arm of the United Nations located in Hague, the Netherlands. In view of the important roles played by these organisations in fulfilling the aspirations of the United Nations and the world population at large, it has been decided to include short write ups, as their activities though important and crucial for the fulfillment of the aspirations of the UN, does not get sufficient publicity unlike the activities of the General Assembly or the Security Council. It is believed that readers will gain some insights to the historical developments of these two organisations and their achievements over the past seventy years and their intended role in the future.
Economic and Social Council of the UN (ECOSOC) Economic and Social Council of the UN is one of the main organs which was established by the United Nations Charter in 1945 along with the Security Council and the General Assembly (GA). The composition of the ECOSOC, its functions and powers and also its procedures are all set out in the chapter 10 of the UN Charter. ECOSOC commenced activities in 1946. The Council was mandated to offer direction to, and provide coordination of economic, social, and cultural activities of the United Nations, with responsibility for advancing international economic and social cooperation and development. In particular, it was vested with the promotion of: (i) higher standards of living, full employment, and conditions of economic and social progress and development; (ii) solutions of international economic, social, health, and related problems; and international cultural and educational cooperation; and (iii) universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion. In words of Dag Hammarskjold, former Secretary General of UN, Security Council exists primarily for settling conflicts, while ECOSOC exists primarily to eliminate causes for such conflicts among nations. The first meeting of the Council was convened in January 1946, in London, UK, with Sir Ramaswami Mudaliar (India) as its first President. The initial membership was 18. The Charter was later amended in 1965, to increase the membership to 26, and in 1974 to 54. Membership is based on geographic representation.
Evolution of the ECOSOC system A recurrent theme in deliberations of Member States over the past 70 years has been the exploration of possibilities in making the Organization working together effectively. This quest for improved coordination has become even more critical over time with the growth of the volume and scope of activities of the UN. In 1945, in the aftermath of World War II, it was initially envisioned that development among Member States would best take place in well-defined and specific thematic or sector areas. This thinking influenced the original design of the UN, which came to be organised around functional lines as a decentralised system, each with its own governance structure, fully accountable for the activities of the respective organisation. The ECOSOC system is fundamental to the fulfilment of the Council’s mandates. The system has continuously been enriched by the establishment of new subsidiary bodies in response to global trends and challenges.
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These include its functional commissions, of which six were created in the first year of existence in 1946, in the areas of Statistics, Population, Social Development, Status of Women, Narcotic Drugs and Human Rights (the latter evolving in 2006 into the Human Rights Council). Additional functional commissions have been created during the last decade, on Crime prevention (1992), Forests (2000) and Science and Technology for development (2002). Furthermore, the regional commissions of the ECOSOC have continued to work towards specific and integrated responses to regional development challenges and priorities. The Commissions for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and Europe (ECE) were created in 1947, followed by the Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in 1948. The Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Commission for Western Asia were established in 1958 and 1973 respectively. The United Nations Funds and Programmes have a reporting relationship to ECOSOC. A number of them were established during the founding years of the organization, such as UNICEF in 1946, later on UNDP in 1965, and UN WOMEN in 2010. Similarly, ECOSOC’s relationships with the United Nations specialized agencies such as ILO, FAO, UNESCO and WHO has continued for 70 years, joined by others such as UNIDO in 1966. Subsequently, UNAIDS which led the global response to HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria since 1996, illustrating the Council’s ability to react to and address emerging issues and crises was established.
Adapting to change – 1990’S From the inception of the ECOSOC, its functions did not change considerably as the UN was considered a neutral platform for providing technical and other assistance to the newly independent states. As a result, various organs and agencies of the UN tended to work independent of each other and work in separate compartments. However the increase in responsibilities and rapid expansion of functions and activities indicated the need for synergy and coordination. In response to the growing need for coordination, ECOSOC has expanded both in the scope and coverage of its work allowing it to work more effectively in issues of coordinated follow up and review. It was decided to convene an annual Substantive Session with four distinct segments to discuss various important issues at policy level. Changes in the discussion format allowing panel discussions and interactive debates were also introduced. Special sessions were also convened to discuss urgent developments in the economic, social and related fields to provide guidance and coordination. The Humanitarian Affairs Segment was held for the first time in 1998 in order to discuss natural and man-made disasters.
The role of ECOSOC in MDGs & SDGs ECOSOC played an important role along with other main agencies of the UN in deliberations leading to the adoption of Millennium Development Goals, eight of them, which were adopted in year 2000. It continued to play an important role in monitoring its implementation, follow up and review. 2005 summit The 2005 World Summit called upon ECOSOC to ensure follow-up of the outcomes of the major conferences, summits and internationally agreed development goals of the UN including the MDGs. This activity has been carried out by them to the satisfaction of the world community.
SDGs & the 2030 Agenda ECOSOC had a leading role to play in deliberations on the SDGs and the final adoption of 2030 agenda in November 2015. It is stated, that it represents a remarkable evolution in international co-operation since the establishment of the Organization in the aftermath of World War II. The new Agenda also represents an accumulation and advancement of knowledge and experience in development of the UN from the late 1940s onwards.
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Anniversary Celebrations and Deliberations on the 2030 agenda 70th anniversary of ECOSOC was celebrated on the 22nd January 2016 at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York, USA. A Special High-level Meeting, discussed ways and means of improving its activities to support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Almost all speakers at this Meeting highlighted the importance of the 2030 Agenda in paving the way forward. Opening the meeting, ECOSOC President Oh Joon stated that the 2030 Agenda reflects a remarkable evolution in international development thinking, and the work of ECOSOC has been "pivotal" to that evolution. He remarked that the 2030 Agenda requires Member States to formulate integrated policies reflecting social, environment and development aspects of sustainable development, and that promoting policy integration will be a “central area of work” for ECOSOC in the years to come. Jan Eliasson, UN Deputy Secretary-General, recalled that ECOSOC's working methods have been reformed and its membership has grown. Recalling that India was among ECOSOC's founding members, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India (via a video link), stated that eradication of poverty remains the greatest unfinished business of the 21st century and an unfulfilled objective of the UN. Jose Antonio Ocampo, Chair of the Committee for Development Policy, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, cautioned against duplicating work between the UN General Assembly and ECOSOC. He highlighted the need to improve ECOSOC's role in coordinating the work of UN system, noting this responsibility has always been “weak.” Rakesh Rajani, of the Ford Foundation, stated that “in too many countries, the space for civil society is closing” and called on ECOSOC to help to respond to this challenge. Karel Kovanda, who served as ECOSOC President from 1997 to 1998 (Czech Republic), said sustainable development is on “everyone's lips” and is the key to ensuring “maintenance of the state of humankind as we know it.” In addition, many participants highlighted the need to stop working "in silos;" make the UN "fit for purpose" to better support the implementation of the Agenda. Deliberations
Thereafter, series of meetings were conducted under the auspices of the ECOSOC. These included a forum for Financing of Development held in April and a High Level Development Forum on Sustainable Development held in New York from 11th to 20th July. This forum was to carry forward the agenda for sustainable development to the future. The theme for the discussions was “Ensuring that no one is left behind”. Discussions commenced with a session on “where do we stand at year one”. After one week of deliberations, Sessions concluded with the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration focusing on the theme of “Ensuring that no one is left behind”. It was decided to convene again in July 2017 under the auspices of the ECOSOC with theme of “Eradicating Poverty and Promoting Prosperity in a Changing World”, the first goal of SDGs. Five other goals inclusive of maintaining good health, gender equality and development of infrastructure are expected to be discussed in detail at these sessions. Conclusions
It is clear that the ECOSOC has played a crucial role in directing and providing co-ordination in all economic, social and cultural activities of the UN as envisaged in the Charter at its inception and has taken meaningful steps to adapt to changing circumstances. It has played a leading role in the implementation of the MDGs which achieved considerable success. ECOSOC has commenced activities relating to global monitoring of the SDGs which was adopted in November 2015. This would be an on-going task and It is clear that ECOSOC has a crucial role to play in the years to come in ensuring that Sustainable Development Goals are achieved within the time frame earmarked, to the satisfaction of the global community. Compiled by Sumathi Nimal Fernando Based on Information available in UN Websites and the Internet
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Environmental Sustainability Aspects in SDGs Kanchana Wickramasinghe Research Economist Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) A set of universally applicable global goals - namely Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was adopted by the countries on the 25th of September 2015. There are 17 goals and 169 targets which aim at sustainable development. A notable feature of SDGs, when compared to Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is that they include a number of aspects in relation to environmental sustainability. Overall, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) takes more of an integrated approach when compared to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). A number of environment goals have been included in the new set of development goals, which is a major transformation from the MDGs. In the MDGs, there was only one goal dealt with environmental sustainability, which was measured by 10 indicators. In contrast, SDGs address issues on biodiversity, climate change, ocean resources and sustainable consumption and production aspects in separate goals. Accordingly, environmental aspects are directly addressed through following goals. Goal 12: Ensure Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development Goal 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
In addition, environment related aspects are covered by several other SDGs, though are not directly mentioned. Accordingly, sustainable energy, sustainable cities, water usage are some of the aspects embedded in other goals. It clearly demonstrates the inter-linkages of the environment related aspects with other development sectors. At the outset, it is important to understand the relevance of the SDGs to national priorities. In the case of Sri Lanka, environment related SDGs seems to be broadly in line with the National Action Plan for Haritha Lanka, which highlights the short, medium and long term targets in addressing the key environmental issues in Sri Lanka. The ten broad missions/thrust areas covered by the programme are: (a) Clean Air - Everywhere, (b) Saving the Fauna, Flora and Ecosystems, (c) Meeting the Challenges of Climate Change, (d) Wise Use of the Coastal Belt and the Sea Around, (e) Responsible Use of the Land Resources, (f) Doing Away with the Dumps, (g) Water for All and Always, (h) Green Cities for Health and Prosperity, Greening the Industries, (i) Knowledge for Right Choices. The Plan is also in the process of revision. The environment related SDGs are in line with the broad missions of the environment sector in Sri Lanka. However, certain targets of the environment related SDGs range from a ‘less relevant’ end to a ‘highly relevant’ end in regard to national relevance. This is quite natural when developing a universal set of targets for many countries. Given the inter-linkages and complexities in the SDGs and the targets, measuring the progress of SDGs seems to be a challenging task at national levels. In the case of Sri Lanka, there are data related constraints and resource constraints in relation to SDGs.
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As per the current mechanism available in Sri Lanka, all the data required to monitor SDGs are not being compiled by the National Statistical Agencies such as the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS), Central Bank etc. Mostly, in the case of environmental sectors, data are produced by the agencies, which handle the various related subjects such as the Forest Department, Sustainable Energy Authority etc. As at present, there is no mechanism to measure, compile and share the information, which are generated by a number of agencies. This calls for the need for a high degree of coordination among the agencies in implementing and measuring SDGs. Since environment related aspects are underpinned in many goals, it requires collaborative efforts between environmental agencies and agencies of other sectors Absence of baseline data for monitoring the progress also remains a main issue with regard to a number of indicators under the SDGs. The issue is mostly applicable for indicators related to environmental aspects. Therefore, when implementing SDGs, generating baseline information should be the first step. Generating baseline data helps to understand the gravity of the issue in relation to particular goals. Though some of the environmental issues are considered as national priorities, most of such issues are explained qualitatively due to absence of data. Financing is also viewed as a major barrier for implementing the SDGs and relevant targets, which are specially based on scientific and technical estimations. Also the lack of expertise will be an obstacle for certain targets, which are not currently been implemented at national level. For instance, when it comes to indicator under Goal 12 - Strategic Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Required, the cabinet has approved to carry out Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) in the case of Sri Lanka. SEAs takes a holistic approach when assessing environmental impacts and is well ahead of the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), which are adopted at present. Conducting SEAs require a lot of expertise, and the lack of experts to carry out the tasks has been a significant challenge in implementing the SEAs. In addition, the lack of staff in certain institutes is also a constraint in measuring certain indicators proposed along with the SDGs. For certain indicators, data are not being collected at present due to financial and staff limitations. For instance, Goal 14 has an indicator on “Percentage of fish tonnage landed within Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY)”. Recent estimates on MSY are not available for fish species due to financial and human constraints in measuring. Lack of required equipment is a constraint in generating regular data for certain indicators. For instance, regular air quality measurements for indicator 69 under Goal 11 have been largely constrained due to absence of required equipment. Despite these challenges and barriers in regard to SDGs at national level, they can be considered as an eye-opener in regard to environmental issues in sustainable development. While attempting to implement and monitor the progress of SDGs, it is important that countries develop their own targets and indicators to address specific environment related issues.
This article is based on the study by IPS titled ‘National Level Implications of Implementation of SDGs: The Case of Sri Lanka’ funded by the Southern Voice Secretariat.
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International Year Of pulses
Pulses Pulses are a sub group of legumes and members of the pea family that produce edible seeds for human and animal consumption. Legumes harvested as dry grains are classified as pulses while varieties used as vegetables such as green beans green peas and others used for oil extraction such as soya beans are not. Some of the widely consumed pulses are indicated in the pictorial presentation shown here. There are many varieties of pulses. Pulses are important as it improves human health; also improves food security and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, there by having a positive impact on climate change. Ways and means of improvement of human health and means of contribution towards food security are illustrated in the two diagrams shown at the end of this article. Pulses are packed with nutrients, and are a fantastic source of protein. They are made up of about 20-25 percent of protein by weight, which is double the protein content of wheat and triple that of rice. Pulses are packed with healthy nutrients. They are high in proteins and mineral content. Including pulses in intercropping farming enhances soil fertility and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers by fixing nitrogen and freeing phosphorous, thus contributing toward a more sustainable production system. Pulses are also important for sustaining and maximizing production. Pulses also helps in crop rotations with other cereals. In such rotations, subsequent cereal yield and crude protein concentration can be increased due to the residual nitrogen provided by the previous pulse crop.
Sustainable Agriculture The ability of pulses to biologically fix nitrogen and its ability to free soil bound phosphorous is very important. The ability to use land continuously will benefit farmers of pulses and other agricultural community too. Pulses also helps to mitigate climate change as some pulses can be grown in warmer temperatures too. Production
Three biggest producers of pulses are Brazil, Canada and India. Others are Myanmar, Argentina and china. Even though India is the third biggest producer of pulses, India is still a deficit country, importing pulses from many developed countries. Canada is the biggest exporter, followed by Australia, US and Myanmar, which is one of the main exporters from the developing world. It is noted that the third world are net importers of pulses with India being the biggest Importer. Consumption of pulses and declined marginally over the last few years. However global trade is growing rapidly. For the future, international trade in pulses is likely to continue growing. Constraints to pulse production and productivity growth in the developing regions may not be easily overcome and, as a result, production would most likely lag behind demand. It is expected that many developing countries would continue to rely on imports to meet their needs in pulses.
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Sustainable Development Goals, seventeen of them, adopted by the word community after prolonged discussions and deliberation in September, 2015 was discussed in detail in an article in the previous year’s Annual. However for the benefit of readers who may have missed the last year’s Annual a pictorial reproduction of the 17 SDGs are included here.
However the path towards successful implementation of the SDGs is an unenviable task. There is a need for a coordinated approach involving all stakeholders at global, regional and national levels. Continuous follow up and review and a very high level of co-ordination between stakeholders is required for the successful implementation of the SDGs so that the global community be able to achieve the 169 targets envisaged in the 17 goals by the year 2030. The United Nations along with all its subsidiary organs led by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and other global and regional bodies and other entities will have to be involved in various aspects of follow-up, at global and regional levels. However the follow up and review at individual member country level would be more difficult with the need for co-ordination of national stakeholders with others involved with various aspects of SDGs. UN has entrusted the task of promoting and coordinating the implementation of SDGs to the Division of Sustainable Development of the Dept. of Economic and Social Affairs (not ECOSOC). This Division has been entrusted with six core functions inclusive of supporting the Inter Govt. Process, Policy Analysis, Capacity Development of member states, Inter Agency co-ordination, Stake Holder engagement and Knowledge Management. It also acts as the secretariat for the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) of the UN. Implementation has to be mapped out carefully with the cooperation and participation of all stakeholders. There also had been a series of studies on an effective mechanism for follow up and review, it has been recommended that review should be at three levels namely at country level, regional level and global level. Discussions are conducted continuously for establishment of review mechanisms at national and regional levels. At global level reviews have already commenced by UN agencies led by the High Level Political Forum which has been entrusted with the task to conduct global reviews with the assistance of ECOSOC and the DSD.
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International Year of Pulses 2016 71st UN Day 2016 The HLDF which was established in 2013 to provide political leadership, guidance and recommendations for sustainable development and follow up and review of progress of implementation has commenced its activities already. It has been decided to conduct annual reviews under the auspices of the ECOSOC and reviews under the auspices of the General Assembly once in four years. A global review by the HLPF was conducted from 11th to 20 July 2016 in New York. The theme for the discussion was “ensuring that no one is left behind”. Discussions commenced with a presentation on “Where we stand at year one”. After a week of discussions a ministerial declaration “ensuring that no one was left behind” was adopted. It has also been decided to conduct a second follow up session from 10th to 19th July 2017 under the auspices of ECOSOC. The theme for this session would be “Eradicating poverty and promoting prosperity in a changing world”. It has been decided to review the six of the 17 SDGs in depth namely
In addition the goal no. 17 strengthening the means of Implementation is expected to be discussed in detail. Even though review mechanisms are in place for global review under the auspices of the UN effective mechanisms for review at national and regional levels are yet to be streamlined At national level, work of the individual member countries along with other stakeholders in each of these countries, such as local govt. authorities, the business sector and the civil society will have to be coordinated. At regional level, work relating to SDGs handled by all regional bodies needs to be coordinated. This includes various regional bodies involved in varied types of activities as well as the regional commissions of the UN itself. All these entities are expected to play a leading role in the follow up and review in assisting with the successful implementation. The establishment of review mechanisms for 17 varied goal is an uphill task. The availability of persons and entities capable of carrying out these activities are limited in many countries, specially developing countries. The enthusiasm for these activities are not at the same level. Therefore streamlining these activities at national level may take time and it would be necessary for the UN to review the development of these mechanisms too. There are indications that individual countries are also taking meaning full steps towards successful implementation of SDGs. President of Sri Lanka In his message to the 71 session of the General Assembly indicted that the year 2017 will be named as the year for alleviating poverty in Sri Lanka. Therefore the task of successful implementation of the SDGs would depend not only on the on the work of UN and its agencies also on efficiency and dedication of the all serve the United Nations other stakeholders. But the task unenviable.
END Compiled by Sumathi Nimal Fernando Based on Information available in UN websites
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International Court of Justice Celebrating its 70th Anniversary International Court of Justice is the other organ of the United Nations which celebrated 70th Anniversary in 2016. ICJ is one of the principal judicial organs of the United Nations established in early 1946 immediately after the establishment of the UN itself. Its activities are twofold. 1. To settle legal disputes among member countries. 2. To give advisory opinions on legal questions raised by UN agencies. ICJ is located in the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. There are 15 judges appointed for nine year terms. The UN selects suitable judges regularly when vacancies occur. The ICJ was established in terms of the chapter 14 of the United Nations charter and the statute annexed to the charter. The statute covers all aspects of activities of the ICJ inclusive of the organization, competence of the court, procedures, advisory opinions and amendments. The ICJ was the successor to the Permanent Court of International Justice (PCIJ) established in 1922 by the League of Nations. The PCIJ was dissolved in 1946 after the establishment of the ICJ by the United Nations. The official languages of the Court are English and French. The judges are appointed for a time span of nine years. It is only the 193 member States that are eligible to appear before the Court in contentious cases. The Court has no jurisdiction to deal with applications from individuals, non-governmental organizations, corporations or any other private entity. However a State may take up the case of one of its nationals and invoke against another State the wrongs which its national claims to have suffered at the hands of the latter State; the dispute then becomes one between States. The International Court of Justice has no jurisdiction to try individuals accused of war crimes or crimes against humanity. As it is not a criminal court, it does not have a prosecutor able to initiate proceedings. This task is the preserve of national courts, and ad hoc criminal tribunals established by the United Nations from time to time. More particularly the International Criminal Court established under the Treaty of Rome, which is the successor to the War Crimes Tribunals of Tokyo and of Nuremberg , have specialized jurisdiction to try individuals for the commission four categories of crimes; namely Genocide, War Crimes, Crimes against humanity and aggression against other States. These are detailed in Articles 5 – 8 of the Rome Treaty. Sri Lanka is not a signatory to the Treaty, so is the USA. The International Court of Justice, which is the concern in this writing, can only hear a dispute when requested to do so by one or more States. It cannot deal with a dispute of its own. It has no proprio motu jurisdiction unlike the International Criminal Court established under the Rome Treaty. Article 15 of that Treaty provides its Prosecutor with Proprio Motu powers, to commence proceedings against a person on his or her own volition without an intervention made by a State. As for the International Court of Justice, the States concerned must also have access to the Court and have accepted its jurisdiction, in other words they must consent to the Court’s considering the dispute in question. This is a fundamental principle governing the settlement of international disputes, States being sovereign and free to choose the methods of resolving their disputes. Judgments delivered by the Court (or by one of its Chambers) in disputes between States are binding upon the parties concerned. Article 94 of the United Nations Charter which lays down that "each Member of the United Nations undertakes to comply with the decision of [the Court] in any case to which it is a party". Judgments are final and without appeal. If either of the parties challenges their scope or meaning, it has the option to request an interpretation.
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International Year of Pulses 2016 71st UN Day 2016 In the event of the discovery of a fact hitherto unknown to the Court which might be a decisive factor, either party may apply for revision of the judgment .As regards advisory opinions, it is usually for the United Nations organs and specialized agencies requesting them to give effect to them or not by whatever means are appropriate for them.
ICJ and the Security Council Article 94 of the UN charter establishes the duty of all UN members to comply with decisions of the Court involving them. If parties do not comply, the issue may be taken before the Security Council for enforcement action. There are obvious problems with such a method of enforcement. If the judgment is against one of the permanent five members of the Security Council or its allies, there is a possibility that any resolution on enforcement being vetoed. This seems to have happened in cases where permanent members of the UN were involved. Furthermore, if the Security Council refuses to enforce a judgment against any State other than one of the five permanent member states, there is no method of forcing the state to comply. Even though there is a possibility of taking action under Chapter VII, the United Nations Charter and the Security Council has never been used to enforce such defaulted judgments. The relationship between the ICJ and the Security Council, and the separation of their powers, was considered by the Court in 1992. However there has been a marked reluctance on the part of a majority of the Court to become involved in disputes in such a way as to bring it potentially into conflict with Council and for adjudication by the ICJ. However, when there is room for conflict, the balance appears to be in favor of action to be taken by the Security Council. Should either party fail "to perform the obligations incumbent upon it under a judgment rendered by the Court", the Security Council may be called upon to "make recommendations or decide upon measures", if the Security Council deems such actions are necessary. In practice, the Court's powers have been limited by the unwillingness of the losing party to abide by the Court's ruling and by the Security Council's unwillingness to impose consequences. However, in theory, "so far as the parties to the case are concerned, a judgment of the Court is binding, final and without appeal," and "by signing the Charter, a State Member of the United Nations undertakes to comply with any decision of the International Court of Justice in a case to which it is a party."
Advisory opinions An advisory opinion is a function of the Court open only to specified United Nations bodies and agencies. On receiving a request, the Court decides which states and organizations might provide useful information and gives them an opportunity to present written or oral statements. Advisory opinions were intended as a means by which UN agencies could seek the Court's help in deciding complex legal issues that might fall under their respective mandates. In principle, the Court's advisory opinions are only consultative in character but they are influential and widely respected. Certain instruments or regulations can provide in advance that the advisory opinion shall be specifically binding on particular agencies or states, but inherently, they are non-binding under the Statute of the Court. This non-binding character does not mean that advisory opinions are without legal effect because the legal reasoning embodied in them reflects the Court's authoritative views on important issues of international law and in arriving at them, the Court follows essentially the same rules and procedures that govern its binding judgments delivered in contentious cases submitted to it by sovereign states .An advisory opinion derives its status and authority from the fact that it is an official pronouncement of the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Advisory opinions have often been controversial because the questions asked are controversial or at times has been used as an indirect means to discuss a matter which should really have been brought before the court as a contentious case, involving the parties to a dispute.
70th Anniversary Celebrations 70th of anniversary of the ICJ was celebrated on the 18th of April 2016 in the presence of the King of Netherlands and other dignitaries. There was also a special commemorative stamp issued in the Netherlands on the occasion.
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The Secretary General of the United Nations Mr. Ban Ki-moon stated in his address that “over the years, the International Court of Justice, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, has made a central contribution to the rule of law. It has stepped in effectively where diplomatic or political measures have failed. It has helped countries to settle their disputes by peaceful means, and it has compiled a solid record of effective and impartial judgments, thereby building global trust in the Court’s work and faith in the power of law”. He further observed that United Nations “Member States are turning to the Court on some of their most complex matters” and that the Court’s “judgements are delivered more swiftly, leading to increased certainty for the parties”, and that “the judges have repeatedly demonstrated their expertise in technically difficult and politically sensitive fields, including maritime and territorial disputes”. In his speech, Mr. Bert Koenders, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands said that “throughout its 70 years of existence, the Court has always defended its legal integrity”. He went on to say that “the Court’s judgments are authoritative: it succeeds in ensuring that its decisions are complied with, even by those States that it has been obliged to disappoint, not by dispatching international bailiffs and police officers, but, thanks to the quality of its decisions, of which it has already delivered over a hundred and through its intellectual authority.” “but that unfortunately that is no guarantee of lasting progress towards an international legal order”. “International law”, said Mr. Koenders, “can describe and prescribe, prosecute and condemn. However it remains powerless if it is not reflected in action by the United Nations General Assembly and particularly by the Security Council. The Netherlands seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the Security Council and strengthen its legitimacy, to make it the sword of international law, alongside the Court, which is its shield”. Mr. Ronny Abraham, President of the ICJ, stated that “the political and legal environment in which the Court operates has changed considerably since 1945. However, the need for a world court working for international peace and justice is as strong today as it was when the Charter was first signed. The Court’s judgments on the merits, of all, represent disputes, that have been settled, and situations that might otherwise have led to open conflict and that have found a peaceful outcome. Its advisory opinions also play a decisive role”. “In seventy years, the face of the world has changed substantially”, the President observed, adding that “these changes are, of course, reflected in the Court’s work. The Court has of late had occasion to hear a number of disputes concerning relatively new areas, such as international environmental law. Such cases may involve the analysis of complex factual data, such as raw scientific data and Reports by experts in the field of Science. The Court has also heard a growing number of cases involving alleged violations of human rights and humanitarian law, through which it has been able to develop its jurisprudence, at the same time taking care to consider that of the courts, tribunals and bodies which specialize in these areas, thus ensuring the coherence of international law”. In conclusion, President Abraham stated that “at 70, the International Court of Justice has reached a serene maturity. Conscious of the importance of the mission with which it has been entrusted by the Member States, it is ready to face the new challenges that might arise in the coming decade. A conference on the topic International Court of Justice at 70 in Retrospect and Prospect was also organized by the ICJ to mark this occasion and two eminent persons were requested to make presentations. They were Prof Phillip Sands the professor of Law and Director of the Centre on International Courts and Tribunals, University College London, University of London (since January 2002) Co-Director, Project on International Courts and Tribunals (1997) and Prof. Sean Murphy the Patricia Roberts Harris Research Professor of Law at the George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. That conference was attended by a host of eminent professionals from all over the world.
End Compiled by Sumathi Nimal Fernando Based on information available in UN websites
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Climate Change, Global Warming and the role of UN In discussing climate change and global warming, it would be necessary to understand clearly the concepts weather, climate, climate change and global warming. First of all, it would be necessary to understand the two concepts “Weather” and “Climate”. These two terms are sometimes confused, though they refer to events with broadly different spatial and time scales. Weather refers to atmospheric conditions that occur locally over short periods of time, from minutes to hours or days. Familiar examples include rain, snow, clouds, winds, floods or thunderstorms. It should be remembered that weather is local and shortterm. Some people have explained these two concepts in this manner. “Weather is what you get” and “Climate is what you expect.” Climate refers to the long-term regional or even global averages of temperature, humidity and rainfall patterns over seasons, years or decades. Therefore climate is global and long-term, and can also be explained as the weather averaged over several seasons, years or decades and also for larger regions.
Climate change “Climate change” and “global warming” are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings. Climate change is some-what difficult to understand because the time scales involved are much longer, and the impact of climate changes can be less immediate. It is stated that the Earth's climate has changed throughout history. Over the last 650,000 years there have been seven cycles of glacial advance and retreat. It is also stated that the modern climate era commenced after the end of the last ice age about 7,000 years ago, and this period is considered as the beginning of the modern human civilization. Most of these climate changes that happened in the past are attributed to very small variations in Earth’s orbit that change the amount of solar energy our planet receives. However the climate changes that are experienced in the present times are explained to be humanly induced. Even though climatic changes may have happened in the past, there may not have been clear evidence of such changes due to the non-availability of clear and accurate data. However currently, the availability of highly advanced technological equipment and highly trained personnel has provided the world population with a huge amount of details relating to all aspects of climate change and global warming. There is a very clear idea regarding the causes of climate change and evidence of such climate changes and also some clear ideas of the actions that would be necessary to face this issue.
Causes of global warming The main reason that has been attributed to the global warming and climate change in the recent past is the humanly induced changes in the Greenhouse Effect. The Greenhouse effect is in fact the basis of life in this planet. The Website of NASA explains this phenomena in this manner. “Life on Earth depends on energy coming from the Sun. About one-half the light reaching Earth's atmosphere passes through the air and clouds to the surface, where it is absorbed and then radiated upward in the form of infrared heat. About 90 percent of this heat is then absorbed by the greenhouse gases and radiated back toward the surface, which is warmed to a life-supporting average of about 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).” This has been the basis of life in this earth. It should be noted that the availability of a certain level of Greenhouse gases is essential to ensure that the warmth in the atmosphere is maintained at levels indicated above. Therefore the availability of these gases has the beneficial effect on the maintenance of the level of warmth in the globe. These gases include essentially carbon dioxide. However recent studies have indicated clearly that there has been a humanly induced increase in the Greenhouse effect, due to various types of human activities. Burning of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum has increased the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by over
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one third during the recent past. These fuels are used to generate electricity, heat and to provide transport. There are other gases which are harmful to the atmosphere such as Methane and Nitrous Oxide, but the huge increase in the volume of carbon dioxide is stated to be the main factor for the increase in the greenhouse effect.
Evidence of global warming and climate change There are many clear indications of global warming. The rise in the sea levels is one such indication. It is stated that the level of increase has doubled during the past few years compared to the level of increase that occurred during the last century. Another factor is the increase in the levels of global temperature. Most of these increases are stated to be very recent, namely after 1970. In addition, it has been noted that oceans have become warmer. Reduction in the levels of snow and ice in the arctic areas and the melting of snow in mountain tops are also results of global warming
Acceptance by the scientific community After detailed studies carried out by many scientific organisations individually and jointly it has been accepted by the scientific community that the recent increases in global warming are humanly induced. These studies culminated with the establishment of the Inter -governmental Panel on Climate change (IPCC) under the auspices of the United Nations Environmental Programme in 1988. Activities of UN are discussed in a later section.
Solutions There can be two fold solutions to global warming and climate change. In term of NASA it is Mitigation and Adaptation. Mitigation means taking steps to contain the level of increases in global warming by trying to reduce the levels of releases of harmful gases, essentially, Carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. As indicated earlier, Carbon dioxide is released to the atmosphere by burning of fossil fuels such as coal and Petroleum which are used by many countries for generation of energy for electricity, heat and transport. Therefore it has become necessary to reduce the usage of fossil fuels either by reducing the level of activity or by trying to shift to environmental friendly types of energy such as solar or nuclear energy. Adaptation is to adjust to a life in a changed climate or a changing climate. This involves getting used to a life after changes in climate and also getting ready to changes that are anticipated. The aim would be to reduce our vulnerability to harmful effects and also trying to take advantages from any beneficial impacts that may occur. The United Nations plays a leading role in this sphere and the role the UN is discussed in the section below.
The Role of the United Nations As a result of studies conducted by the scientific community, it became clear that the human involvement was responsible to a great extent for increases in the Greenhouse Effect that occurred in the recent past. In order to study this matter further, an Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established under the auspices of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization in 1988. After a series of deliberations, the first report of the panel was released in 1990. As indicated, there is sufficient evidence to prove that changes in the climate are humanly induced. The global community therefore decided that this matter needs to be studied on a continuous basis and as a result, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established. This convention was signed by the international
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community at the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992. There had been annual discussions on the progress in dealing with climate change under the auspices of the UNFCCC. Discussions had been conducted at annual meetings of the UNFCCC and these discussions culminated in the preparation of the Kyoto protocol, which was adapted by the world community at Kyoto, Japan in 1997. The main purpose of Kyoto protocol was to provide mandatory targets on the levels of release of Greenhouse gases to the atmosphere by all countries. Even though the Kyoto protocol was agreed upon at the meeting in Kyoto, it faced severe difficulties in implementation. Many developed countries backtracked at the time of implementation. All countries are reluctant to agree to specific targets of this nature due to the fear that it may have adverse repercussions on the level of economic development. Even though it was not possible to achieve any success with the Kyoto Protocol, discussions continued under the auspices of the UNFCCC at the annual meetings. At the meeting held in Paris in November 2015 the Paris Agreement on Climate Change was adapted. The main aim of this agreement was for all countries to agree to limit the increases in the emission of greenhouse gases to a level below 2 percent of the past levels. This agreement was signed by over 170 countries at a high level ceremony held in New York on the Earth Day, 22 nd April 2016.However the agreement becomes effective only when 55 countries and countries who are responsible for over 55 % of the emissions ratify the agreement. Even though ratifications are at a level below 55 % at the moment, the recent decision by U.S.A and China to ratify the agreement is a welcome sign. However discussions under the auspices of the UN are conducted on a regular basis. A climate change Conference under the auspices of the UNFCCC was held in Bonn, Germany in May 2016. The 22 nd session is expected to be held in Marrakech, Morocco. It is anticipated, these discussions will result in world community being able to reach a common consensus regarding the need to reduce the emission of the harmful gases to the atmosphere. Activities of the UNFCCC appear to be aiming at Mitigation as a solution to the global warming. However activities of UN and its agencies are not limited to aiming at Mitigation. United Nations Environmental Programme is involved in a big way to get countries adapt to changing climate and a substantial amount of work is being carried out on a micro level in attempting to resolve problems in specific areas. This approach of adaptation at micro levels appears to be more successful than the global action under the UNFCCC. However it is clear that global warming and climate changes are problems that need to be addressed by the world community on a priority basis. Any further delay in agreeing to control levels of emission of harmful gases to the atmosphere on a global basis may result in adverse repercussions to global community itself.
End By Sumathi Nimal Fernando [The use of information available in the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA), Website Global Climate Change – Vital signs of the Planet is gratefully acknowledged.]
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United Nations: A force for good in an uncertain and an unpredictable world? Professor DYD Samarawickrama BDS, PhD, FDSRCS, FHEA, FCGDP, FODC
Emeritus Professor, Queen Mary University of London, the United Kingdom Introduction It is not necessary to revisit the founding of the United Nations UN because this is in the public domain. The founding principles and the goals are also well known. How has it fared over the last 71 years? This brief paper reviews some of its successes and failures. However, this is not a comprehensive critical review; it only attempts to take stock of the UN’s record in a few areas of interest. Obviously, in reviewing the UN, one has to include its agencies some of which predate the UN itself and also operate with a high degree of autonomy. War and peace One might argue that although there has not been a third world war, there have been many regional military conflicts. Nevertheless, the number of people dying due to war has declined since the end of the Second World War in 1945. Available data also show that fewer people seem to have died during the first decade of this century than during any decade of the last century. Although any death through war is regrettable, this is a considerable achievement. This success can be attributed to the UN’s peace keeping efforts and conflict resolution. Since 1945, the UN has been credited with negotiating more than 150 peaceful settlements to end regional conflicts. The UN was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2001. The first peace keeping mission was set up in 1956 to end the Suez crisis. It has intervened many times successfully for example, in the Congo, Namibia and East Timor. However, its mission in Somalia was deemed a failure. It also failed to prevent genocide in Rwanda in 1994 and ethnic cleansing in former Yugoslavia in 1995. However, it can claim to have overseen successful democratic elections in post – apartheid South Africa and post Khmer Rouge Cambodia. Human rights UN has been at the forefront of protecting human rights with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Although many countries have signed up to the Declaration, violations continue judging by the reports emanating from various countries from time to time. It is hoped that with the successful prosecution of more cases acting as a deterrent, such violations are likely to decline. International justice The International criminal court of the UN at The Hague has received a mixed response in Sri Lanka due to a number of factors. Nevertheless, the Liberian leader Charles Taylor and the Serbian leader Milosevic were both prosecuted for war crimes, with Taylor sentenced to 50 years’ imprisonment. Milosevic died of a heart attack before a verdict was reached. These two cases have established the precedent that dictators can face impartial justice. Food security Many countries are beset by poverty and hunger, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, the numbers have fallen from an estimated 70 million deaths in the last century, partly due to the efforts of the World Food Programme, Food and Agricultural Organisation and other UN efforts in delivering emergency food aid. Some claim that that some of the food shortages have arisen due to military conflicts and that to end poverty and hunger, wars should be ended first.
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International Year of Pulses 2016 71st UN Day 2016 Climate change Despite the claims by some sceptics, there is a growing body of scientific evidence supporting the theory that global warming is happening. UN’s efforts to curb carbon dioxide emissions, the main culprit of global warming, are slowly gaining ground. Recently, the two largest economies of the world, the USA and China agreed to ratify the Paris Accord on Global Warming. However, any positive benefits will only be seen only in the decades to come. In the meantime, extremes of weather have to be endured by the world population. Conservation Protecting the environment is the key to preserving the world for the next generation. To this end, declaration of more than 1000 sites as World Heritage sites by the UNESCO has been a key feature. The protection of Galapagos Islands can be seen as a benchmark in preserving ecology yet promoting tourism in harmony with nature. Health Very recently, Sri Lanka was declared malaria-free. This is no mean achievement given the high incidence of the disease during the last century. World Health Organisation has been a driver for improving health worldwide. Small pox was eradicated during the last century and polio was the next target. In the meantime, other emerging infections such as the Ebola epidemic in West Africa has challenged the WHO’s organisational and coordinating strategies to the limit. WHO did admit to not responding fast enough to the epidemic yet Ebola did not become a pandemic as many predicted it would be and the cases in the affected countries are on the decline. Safe drinking water and sanitation This has been one of the Millennium Development Goals of the UN and now incorporated into the Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015. It is ironic then that the most likely source of the world’s worst outbreak of cholera in recent times in Haiti was a Nepali Peace Keeping Force serving under the UN banner. More than 700,000 were infected and 8000 Haitians died in that outbreak. Nevertheless, clean drinking water and good sanitation remain key goals to be achieved during the next 15 years. Women and children In South Asia, equal numbers of boys and girls are in primary education, a goal achieved in 2012. However, about a third of the countries in the developing world are yet to achieve gender equality in primary education. Violence including sexual violence, against women and children remains a major concern. Under the circumstances, it is a tragedy that UN peacekeepers have been accused of paying women and young girls they were supposed to be protecting for sex, and sometimes raping them, in the Democratic Republic of Congo in early 2005. This was not an isolated incidence because subsequent reports have found there had been similar allegations in countries ranging from Cambodia to Bosnia to Haiti. Nevertheless, safeguarding of women and children figure prominently in the UN agendas for action. Conclusions There are critics who argue that the UN is over-staffed, over-budget, ineffective and a corrupt organisation which is not principled or impartial always in the way it tackles issues facing the world. However, when the wide range of challenges UN has faced since inception and how it has resolved many issues along the way are considered, one sees it in a different light. The UN is not perfect but can one imagine what the world would have been like without it?
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Accessibility Rights Activist – APEX Award Winner Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera By: Dr. G. P. P. Silva Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera is an eminent Sri Lankan. He is a Chartered Chemist by profession from the University of Colombo, a former Senior Manager of two multinational pharmaceutical companies and a former Test-match-panel senior Cricket Umpire. Three international bodies have accepted him as a Fellow and two international bodies have awarded him Chartered status which includes the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry London. These denote achievement of a very high level of subject knowledge and professional competence. Since 1998 - as the pioneer activist - he has promoted the concept of Accessible Sri Lanka for All focusing on built environments that do not marginalise or discriminate against people on the grounds of inevitable diversity in ability. The international admiration Dr. Perera has won, the national recognition he has gained and the honour he has brought to Sri Lanka, have come through his academic and professional achievements acquired both in Sri Lanka and in England and significant contributions in unrelated fields, and now, as a widely experienced and highly respected accessibility advisor. A large wayside tree crashed on and straddled his moving car in November 1992, near the UN compound in Colombo leaving him instantaneously a paraplegic for life! Undeterred by this personal adversity, he has made outstanding contributions to the community, playing eight different significant roles over 17 consecutive years focusing on enhancement of quality of daily life. In 2005 May he founded IDIRIYA - a registered not-for-profit humanitarian service organization - with a vision focusing on the inherent human rights and empowerment of people with dis-Abilities to be equal partners in national development. In 2010 November, he represented Sri Lanka at the International Congress on Standards in Geneva Switzerland organised by the International Organisation for Standardisation – ISO. In 2011 April, appearing at all times in person on a whe elchair and seeking redress for physically dis-Abled persons accessing new public buildings, he successfully pursued single handed a public interest litigation fundamental rights application and received a substantial boost when the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka gave a landmark order.
Since 1998, he has written periodically well over 300 articles to the print media in all three languages, author-published a book, organised several public seminars and turned Annual 2016
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speaker focusing: Accessible Sri Lanka and in particular, the imperative UN Convention on the protection of the Rights of People with dis -Abilities (CRPD), concerning near 20% of our population experiencing, for differe nt reasons, restricted ability. Dr. Perera’s endeavours with unreserved commitment and significant achievements have far reaching influence on the country and promoting its profi le among the international community.
Commemoration of 83rd Birth anniversary of UNASL Founder Secretary As a mark of respect to the enormous services rendered in the establishment and the continued existence of the UNASL throughout his lifetime, the UNASL and the Kumaran Fernando Foundation conducted a dharma sermon and donation of 100 spectacles to persons in need of spectacles on the occasion of the 83 rd birth anniversary of Founder Secretary Of UNASL Late Mr. Kumaran Fernando. Mr. Fernando as many of you perhaps may be aware, was the live wire behind the establishment of The UNASL even before the Sri Lanka Obtained Membership to the United Nations. He got together with a few of his young friends and succeeded in convincing the Then Prime Minister of Sri lanka (Then Ceylon) Rt. Hon D.S.Senanayake that there is no necessity to wait for Sri Lanka gaining membership and managed to establish the UNASL with the blessings of the Hon. Prime minister with Hon. Montegu Jayawickrama as the first president and Mr. Yogendra Duraisamy as the First Secretary General at the first meeting held at The Sravasti Meeting Hall. The then Governor General Lord Soulbury graciously accepted the post of the first Patron. UNASL was admitted to the World federation of United nation’ s Associations (WFUNA )in 1951 In the same year Mr Fernando was also appointed as a member of The Executive Committee being the youngest member of the EX. CO. However UNASL was inactive for some time but was re activated with the perseverance of Mr Horace Perera who was the Secretary General of WFUNA from 1966-76 .At a meeting held at The Conference room of the ministry of Justice Mr Nihal Jayawickrama was elected unanimously as the new president and Mr. Kumaran Fernando as the Secretary General. Under the able guidance of Mr. Fernando activities expanded with help from volunteers such Dharmadasa Vitharana Brig. Granville Elapata and many others. During this period, many prominent individuals assisted the UNASL With active participation, sponsorship and many other types of assistance. Other than the few who have left us, the rest continues to assist the UNASL to this Day. Mr. Fernando continued to be the live wire behind all activities and functioned as Secretary General until his demise on 21st March 2010. Before that he also established the Kumaran Fernando Foundartion and has permitted the use of his spacious Bungalow as the Office for UNASL. Kumaran Fernando Foundation also got together with The UNASL in conducting this meritorious deed on behalf late Mr. Fernando. Annual 2016
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BEST UNA SCHOOL STUDY CIRCLES IN 2015 / 2016 01st Place
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G / Richmond College, Galle
Left To Right First Row : Secretary N.B.Kaluarachchi , President Achala Welarathna, Teacher In Charge Ms. Nimali Abeysinghe , Principal Mr. Sampath Weragoda , Deputy Principal Of Co-cu:Act. Mr.Piyasiri Kumarage , Teacher In Charge Ms. R.H. Priyadarshani , Treasurer Vidura Dahanayake , Assistance Secretary A. Damsara Rasadun and Committee Members.
02nd Place
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B / Sri Devananda Central College, Mirahawatta
1St row left to right : Teacher In charge :W.M. Chitra Kumari, Assistant Pricipal :Mr. R.M.J.K. Bandara, Principal M.M.U Marasinghe, :Hon Rev Kandegedara Upananda thero, Vice Pricipal Mr. V.G. Wimalasiri, Assistant Pricipal :Mr. D.M.C.B. Disawe 2nd row left to right : commite Members T.D, Harshani Madushika, President: Y.P. Dinithi Navodya, D,M, Nethmi Pavithra, Secretary : W.M. Gayatri Dilsara, M.G. Kavindya Lakshani, K.H.U. Randinithi, A.D. Kaushalya Sathsarani 3rd row left to right : W.M. Vikum Vichakshana, D.M. Pubudu Sandaruwan, Vice president :E.M. Sasanka Kusal, W.A.A Kumuditha de Silva, W.M. Sasinidu Kavishka, L.S. Rashika Rosha
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BEST UNA SCHOOL STUDY CIRCLES IN 2015 / 2016 03rd Place
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M / Christ Church College, Matale
1st row left to right : Yasith Dissanayake ( President), Mr. M.Z.Mohamed Reza (Teacher-in-charge), Mr.W.M.Sirisuriya (Deputy Principal), Mrs. Dulani Samarakoon(Principal), Mrs. Padmini Samarakoon(Asst.Principal), Shanali Kulasekera (Secretary). 2nd row left to right : Yohan Edirisinghe, Chamodhi Dewmini, Ruwani Weligama, Nayomi Abeyrathne, Sandamali Herath, Kushani Dananjana Wijethunga( Treasurer), Dewmini Jayarathne, Maleesha Karunarathne.
04th Place
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Halpathota Roman Catholic School, Baddegama.
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05th Place
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Mt / Vijaya College, Matale
From right first raw : 01. Sanka Kaveenda Jayasinghe (President), 02. D.R. Weerakoon (Teacher In charge of Educational Circle), 03. S.A.G.R. Siriwardana (The Principal), 05. P.S. Uyangoda (Ass: Teacher In Charge of Educationla Circle), 06. Sachini Wedagedara(Secretary). From left second raw : 07. Thilini Nirasha (Deputy Secretary), 08. Isanka Lalindrani, 09. Sasanthi Nirukshika, 10. Dilini Senavirathne, 11. Thakshila Dissanayaka, 12. Sathya Sewwandi, 13. Manodya Jayarathne, 14. Lakshika Prebhashini, 15. Nimesha Senavirathne, 16. Kumuduni Dharmarathne, 17. Dilmee Weerasekara, 18. Rasangi Sansala, 19. Vishva Basnayaka (Deputy President)
WINNERS OF SPEECH CONTEST - 2016 1st Place
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T. M. S. D. N. Bandara St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy
2nd Place -
K. L. D. S. P. Rathnasiri Sri Swarnajothi National School, Kiribathkumbura
3rd Place -
B. M. Shasini Maheshi Sri Devananda College, Mirahawatta
4th Place -
U. Lahiru Pathum Jayathilaka Halpathota Roman Catholic School, Baddegama
5th Place -
H. G. Ruwan Rajitha Richmond College, Galle
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WINNERS OF GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CONTEST - 2016 1st Place
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D. M. Nilushi Navodya Dhanapala Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy
2nd Place
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A. Damsara Rasandun Richmond College, Galle
3rd Place
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Chathumini Nadeesha Weerasinghe K/ Viharamahadevi Girls’ College, Kandy
4th Place
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Y. P. Dinithi Navodya Sri Dewananda College, Mirahawatta
5th Place
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W. M. Thilini Nirasha Wijecon Vijaya Vidyalaya, Matale
WINNERS OF ESSAY WRITING CONTEST - 2016 1st Place
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D. M. Nethmini Hithaishi Dhanapala Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy
2nd Place
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D. D. S. Millagolla K/ Viharamahadevi Girls’ College, Kandy
3rd Place
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J. E. A. Dipna Jayasinghe St. Joseph Waas College, Wennappuwa
4th Place
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T. M. D. R. Weerasekara Vijaya Vidyalaya, Matale
5th Place
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R. R. S. Thilakasiri Sri Swarnajothi National School, Kiribathkubura
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BEST TEACHERS IN CHARGE OF THE WINNING SCHOOLS 1st Place
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M.N.D. Abeysinghe, R. H. Priyadarshani G / Richmond College, Galle
2nd Place
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W.M. Chithra Kumari Sri Devananda Central College, Mirahawatta
3rd Place
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M.Z.M. Reza M / Christ Church College, Matale
4th Place
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N.G. Sadani Halpathota Roman Catholic School, Baddegama
5th Place
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D. Renuka Weerakon Mt / Vijaya Vidyalaya, Matale
Outgoing Secretary General along with Secretary General designate
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CURE FOR DENGUE BY BUILDING UP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM (HOMOEOPATHY) Dengue fever is an infectious disease carried by mosquitoes. Aedes mosquitoes can be easily distinguished .as it is larger in size and have black stripes on its body, so it is sometimes called tiger mosquitoes. They breed in artificial accumulation of fresh water, such as broken bottles, tins, flower pots, coconut shells, tree holes etc. Dengue Fever :- The symptoms of dengue fever as the onset is sudden with chills and high fever raised from102 - 105 degree and continued for about three to four days, with intense headache, severe muscles and bone pains, vomiting, reddness of eyes and swelling on face etc. Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever:- This is a severe form of Dengue caused by infection of double dengue virus. The first infection sensitizes patient and the second appears to produce immunological catastrophe. Clinical Manifestations ;a) Fever - acute onset continues lasting for two - seven days, b) Liver enlargement and tenderness c) Nausea, vomiting and abdomen pain, d) Severe pain on bone, especially spine & back bone e) Haemorrhage - bleeding under the skin, bleeding from nose, gums, vomiting of blood f) Rash appears in most of the patients three - four days after the onset of fever. Most of the dengue patients recover completely within two or three weeks feeling tired and lethargic. Others develop severe bleeding which becomes complicated. Dengue and is very serious which can lead to Shock (low blood pressure), sometimes fatal, especially in children and young adults. This can be diagnosed by testing blood for Leucocyte, platelets count, haemocrit etc. In epidemic situations every patient having high fever is required to suspect for Dengue fever unless other cause for the fever is identified. Recovery ;- Getting plenty of bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and Homoeopathic medicines. Homoeopathic Treatment ;- Homeopathy is highly scientific, logical, safe, quick and extremely effective method of healing. It offers long lasting to permanent cure, treating the disease from its roots, for most of the ailments. Homoeopathy is the most rational science with respect to its concepts of health, disease and cure. Homoeopathy does not treat superficially by just driving away the symptoms but heals the patient from within. Homoeopathic remedies are dynamic agents influencing body's energy. It plays a major role in increasing the patients’ resistance by stimulating the immune mechanism which helps their body to fight the infection. Homoeopathy is an effective alternate to antibiotics in infectious diseases, producing no toxic side effects and bringing about rapid recovery. Homoeopathy has definite treatment for most of the infectious disease. If there is fever immediately consult qualified Homoeopathic doctors, if required get hospitalised either in a clinic or hospital for proper observation and take Homoeopathic treatment. Homoeopathy has a unique approach of the method of preparation of the drugs in which the end result will contain only the 'dynamic curative power' of the drug substance, devoid of any original crude substance. By a special mode of preparation called 'potentization', Homeopathic medicines are prepared from sources such as vegetables, fruits and plants,The medicine is in tablet or powder form consisting of either fat free goat's milk (lactose) or cane sugar as the base medicated with homeopathic remedies. All Epidemic diseases are treated free of charge in Homoeopathy these have Strictly NO Side effects. By :- Dr (Mrs) F. Yasmin Fazli Medalist - D.H.M.S. (Pak); MF.hom; RHMP (SL) Annual 2016
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With Best Compliments from
CHANDRASIRI DISTRIBUTORS 169 / 4, Old Road, Nawinna, Maharagama. Sri Lanka Tel :- 0094 11 2850579
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UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF SRI LANKA SERVICE AWARDS 2016 HRH PRINCE DATO SERI Deshakeerthi Ambassador Dr.M.M.M.Rushanudeen JPWI Deputy Executive Chairman ,Life Member, Life Patron, Honorary Member, Chairman – Finance and Membership Development of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka In Special Appreciation of Support to the Association Mr. T. S. N. Fernando Ordinary Member of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka In Special Appreciation of Support to the Association Desamanya A. T. Malalgoda JP WI Assistant Secretary General of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka In Special Appreciation of Support to the Association Desamanya Dr. M. Z. M. Nizar JP WI Assistant Secretary General of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka In Special Appreciation of Support to the Association
Mr. M. S. M. Shameel Special Life Member of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka In Special Appreciation of Support to the Association Dr. Fathima N. Fazeen PhD Developmental Psychology (LON),MBA Marketing (LON) Special Life Member of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka In Special Appreciation of Support to the Association Mr. Mohamed Fazeen Junkeer Special Life Member of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka In Special Appreciation of Support to the Association Desamanya Eng. N. Rajkumar Special Life Member of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka In Special Appreciation of Support to the Association Mr. Haroon Hussaindeen Special Life Member of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka In Special Appreciation of Support to the Association Mr. Buddhika U. Senanayake Special Life Member of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka In Special Appreciation of Support to the Association
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With Best Compliments from
HAROON HUSSAINDEEN SPECIAL LIFE MEMBER
UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF SRI LANKA
CHAIRMAN / MANAGING DIRECTOR
LUCKY DE LANKA (PRIVATE) LIMITED IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS, WHOLESALE AND GENERAL MERCHANTS, TEXTILES AND GARMENTS ACCESSORIES # 134, VISTWYKE ROAD MATTAKKULIYA, COLOMBO-01500 SRI LANKA TEL: 0777684181/ 0771335513 EMAIL:
[email protected] RESIDENCE 129/1, MAHAWATTA, MAWANELLA,
