The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, Ambassador Jayantha Jayasuriya, delivered Sri Lanka’s statement at the General Debate of the Third Committee of the 81st UN General Assembly on 05 October 2026.
In his statement, Ambassador Jayasuriya highlighted the importance of the Third Committee’s work and outlined Sri Lanka’s progress and achievements in areas within the Committee’s mandate. The following are excerpts from the statement.
“The Third Committee addresses important issues affecting people’s lives, including the rights and well-being of children, women, older persons, persons with disabilities, refugees, migrants and communities affected by discrimination and exclusion.
Recent years have demonstrated Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to crises. Our people endured a severe economic crisis, followed by Cyclone Ditwah, which caused further losses to communities across the island.
These experiences have reinforced our belief that social progress must be reflected in people’s lives. Poverty has many dimensions, affecting children’s education, family health and the well-being of entire communities.
This understanding underpins our Praja Shakthi national initiative. Nearly 14,000 Community Development Councils have been established across Sri Lanka, enabling communities to identify local priorities and shape projects aimed at improving their lives.
People understand the needs of their communities, and governments work best when they listen to them.
Sri Lanka has a proud history of women in national leadership. We gave the world its first woman Prime Minister, and today a woman again holds that office. Our Parliament also has more women members than at any previous point in our history.
The Women’s Empowerment Act and the establishment of the National Commission on Women have strengthened our national framework.
Sri Lanka has provided free education for generations, alongside universal healthcare. We are reforming our schools to prepare children for a rapidly changing world, including changes in the workplace. Our aim is to ensure that no child leaves school before completing 13 years of education and that every child has a pathway suited to their academic or vocational abilities.
We pay particular attention to children who face the greatest disadvantages. The recently launched Diviyata Saviyak programme focuses on young people leaving Child Development Centers.
Sri Lanka is working to open savings accounts for children growing up in Child Development Centers, helping them enter adulthood with financial resources of their own.
The circumstances of a person’s childhood should not determine the limits of their future.
To live well, people must also feel that they belong.
Sri Lanka is a tapestry of different religions, languages, ethnic communities and cultural traditions. Our history has shown us the cost of division and the importance of rebuilding social cohesion.
Our Constitution guarantees equality before the law and prohibits discrimination on grounds including race, religion, language, caste and sex. Sri Lanka remains committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of every community and building a society founded on equality, non-discrimination and mutual respect.
The work of this Committee will ultimately be judged in homes and communities around the world.
Sri Lanka reiterates its firm belief that the work of this Committee is vital to shaping a more just, equitable and inclusive future. Let us recommit to the vision of the Charter and work collectively towards building a United Nations that delivers meaningful results and positively impacts people’s lives around the world.”
Sri Lanka actively participates in the Third Committee’s debates and discussions, highlighting its achievements in areas within the Committee’s mandate.
Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations
New York
14 October 2026