Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya has reiterated the nation’s unwavering commitment to the core principles of the United Nations (UN) — peace, human rights, and sustainable development — during the United Nations Day 2025 celebrations. The event also marked 80 years of the UN’s founding and 70 years of Sri Lanka’s partnership with the global organization.

The United Nations Day, celebrated every year on October 24, commemorates the establishment of the UN Charter in 1945. This year’s event held in Colombo carried special significance, reflecting Sri Lanka’s longstanding diplomatic and developmental collaboration with the UN across various sectors including social welfare, climate action, and governance reform.

Addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya emphasized Sri Lanka’s role as a responsible member of the international community, dedicated to upholding the UN’s vision of global peace and justice.

She highlighted several national initiatives aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — including poverty eradication programs, women’s empowerment projects, and environmental transformation initiatives aimed at tackling climate change and promoting renewable energy.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that multilateral cooperation remains central to Sri Lanka’s foreign policy. “We believe that progress, justice, and peace can only be achieved through collective global action,” she said, noting Sri Lanka’s ongoing collaboration with UN agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF, and UNEP.

Representatives from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in Sri Lanka praised the government’s continued engagement with the UN system and its efforts to align national policies with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The event featured cultural performances and exhibitions showcasing Sri Lanka’s contributions to global peacekeeping missions and environmental protection. Several government officials, foreign diplomats, and civil society representatives attended the program.

Commemorative discussions were held on human rights, youth empowerment, and climate resilience, emphasizing the need for inclusive and sustainable development models.

Analysts observed that Sri Lanka’s reaffirmation of UN values comes at a crucial time as the nation seeks to rebuild international confidence and attract global partnerships for post-crisis recovery and growth.


As Sri Lanka celebrates 70 years of partnership with the United Nations, its renewed commitment to peace, sustainability, and human rights underscores the country’s determination to play a constructive role in global affairs. The government’s pledge to uphold UN principles signals a forward-looking approach toward inclusive development and international cooperation.