COLOMBO, 02 October 2026 – Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Hon. Vijitha Herath, concluded a pivotal visit to New York, participating in the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) from 27 to 30 September 2026. The Minister’s robust engagement underscored Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism and its proactive stance on pressing global issues, culminating in a significant meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Sri Lanka’s Stance at the General Debate
Addressing the High-Level Segment of the Assembly, also known as the General Debate, on 28 September 2026, Minister Herath delivered a comprehensive statement under the theme “restoring trust, managing transformation.” He firmly reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s steadfast dedication to multilateralism and its commitment to fostering a United Nations that effectively “delivers for all.” The Minister emphasized the critical importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing and resolving contemporary global challenges.
During his address, Minister Herath highlighted several key areas:
- Climate Resilience: The Minister elaborated on the extensive devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah and the government’s subsequent recovery and rebuilding efforts, supported by the international community. He stressed the urgent need for enhanced climate adaptation and mitigation strategies given the likely increased frequency of such natural disasters.
- Economic Recovery and Resilience: Minister Herath showcased Sri Lanka’s success in restoring macroeconomic stability following the 2022 economic crisis, highlighting the country’s positive growth trajectory. He called for greater international support, including fairer debt rules and development financing, especially for middle-income countries, to strengthen global resilience.
- Sustainable Development and Governance: The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling poverty and inequality, safeguarding investments in health and education, and ensuring inclusive development across all communities and regions. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Furthermore, he outlined the government’s efforts towards good governance, anti-corruption measures, institutional transparency, and the promotion of national unity, reconciliation, and equality.
- Ocean Governance: As an island nation, Sri Lanka’s adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a legal regime it helped shape, was highlighted. Minister Herath underscored the sustainable use and protection of oceans, and Sri Lanka’s active engagement with the International Seabed Authority and the implementation of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), reinforcing the commitment to safeguarding oceans as a common heritage.
- Digital Transformation: The Minister detailed Sri Lanka’s digitalization drive, including advancements in digital public infrastructure, strengthening national capacity in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and expanding the digital economy. He advocated for international cooperation to build “a digital future that includes everyone” and emphasized the importance of developing ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks for AI.
- Disarmament and Peacekeeping: Minister Herath recalled Sri Lanka’s longstanding commitment to disarmament, from its early call for an Indian Ocean Zone of Peace to its leadership role in the 1995 NPT Review and Extension Conference, reaffirming the conviction that total and verifiable elimination is the only guarantee against nuclear weapons use. He also acknowledged Sri Lanka’s significant contributions to UN and other peacekeeping operations globally, citing commendations earned by Sri Lankan peacekeepers.
- Global Security: The Minister referred to comprehensive efforts in combating narcotics trafficking and organized crime. Regarding the conflict in West Asia, he urged restraint and dialogue for a peaceful resolution based on international law, welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza, and reiterated Sri Lanka’s support for the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to statehood and a two-State solution.
Minister Herath concluded by underscoring Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to international law, including international humanitarian law (IHL), affirming that Sri Lanka is “a small island nation with a big heart,” believing in humanity even amidst conflict and division.
Call for Nuclear Disarmament and Sustainable Development
On Tuesday, 29 September, Minister Herath participated in the High-Level Plenary Meeting to commemorate the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons. He called for substantial progress towards global nuclear disarmament and highlighted the critical need to redirect resources currently allocated to nuclear weapons towards advancing sustainable development, strengthening healthcare and education, promoting energy access, and addressing climate change challenges, particularly in developing countries.
High-Level Bilateral Engagements
A significant highlight of the visit was Foreign Minister Herath’s meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Wednesday, 30 September. The Minister apprised the Secretary-General of Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic recovery, reform processes, and progress in reconciliation. He commended Secretary-General Guterres for his leadership during a critical juncture for the United Nations and for enhancing cooperation between the UN and Sri Lanka. Secretary-General Guterres, recalling his past visits to Sri Lanka in 1978 and later as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, commended the tangible progress achieved by Sri Lanka on economic recovery and reiterated his continued support for the country’s efforts in sustainable development, peace, and reconciliation.
During his visit, Minister Herath also held meetings with United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support Atul Khare. These discussions focused on issues of mutual interest, including peacekeeping, with Minister Herath reaffirming Sri Lanka’s constructive support for UN and other peacekeeping operations.
The Foreign Minister engaged in bilateral meetings with several of his counterparts, including H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates; H.E. Dr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran; and Hon. Shisir Khanal, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal. These engagements provided invaluable opportunities to exchange views on shared priorities and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.
Foreign Minister Herath’s participation in the 81st UN General Assembly reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s active and constructive engagement with the United Nations and the international community, simultaneously advancing the nation’s key priorities encompassing peace, sustainable development, economic resilience, disarmament, global health, ocean governance, and an inclusive digital future.
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