By The Pulseline News Desk
Sri Lanka has called for urgent climate action, unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and a fundamental overhaul of international debt rules, placing the concerns of vulnerable developing countries at the centre of its national statement to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath told the General Assembly on Monday (28) that the global response to climate change, conflict and economic vulnerability must become more equitable, arguing that countries with the smallest contribution to global emissions continue to bear some of their most severe consequences.
“Climate justice must become an urgent reality,” Herath said.
He cited Cyclone Ditwah as a stark example, saying the disaster had killed hundreds of people in Sri Lanka, affected more than two million people and inflicted major damage on livelihoods and infrastructure.
Herath urged the international community to respond to climate vulnerability with greater urgency, while reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to generating 70% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Gaza: aid must reach civilians
Herath also called for immediate humanitarian action in Gaza, urging all parties to uphold the UN Security Council’s ceasefire resolution and allow humanitarian assistance to reach civilians without obstruction.
He said Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction should be treated as an urgent international priority.
Sri Lanka, he added, continued to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel within the pre-1967 borders.
The position reflects Colombo’s longstanding support for a two-state solution while maintaining its broader emphasis on humanitarian protection and respect for international law.
A fairer system for countries carrying debt
Herath also renewed Sri Lanka’s demand for changes to the international financial system, arguing for fairer rules governing debt and development finance.
Although Sri Lanka has restored macroeconomic stability after the economic crisis of 2022, he said the country remained vulnerable to debt pressures and external shocks.
The call for reform comes as developing countries continue to face constraints on fiscal space and access to affordable development financing.
For Sri Lanka, the issue carries particular weight after its own economic crisis forced the country into a difficult process of debt restructuring and economic adjustment.
Neutrality and humanitarian action
Herath also highlighted Sri Lanka’s rescue of sailors from a vessel in distress near its territorial waters in March.
He said Colombo had acted to save lives while safeguarding its neutrality, presenting the episode as an example of humanitarian responsibility independent of geopolitical alignments.
Accountability, reconciliation and AI
Beyond international issues, Herath pointed to efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka’s institutions and address unresolved matters arising from the country’s civil conflict.
He said corruption investigations and prosecutions were being pursued without political interference, while the government continued efforts to strengthen institutions.
Herath also called for equitable access to technology, warning that developing countries should not be left behind as artificial intelligence transforms economies and societies.
Sri Lanka, he said, had developed national guidelines on the ethical use of AI.
From climate vulnerability and humanitarian crises to debt and technological inequality, Herath’s address sought to frame Sri Lanka’s concerns as part of a broader challenge facing developing countries: ensuring that the international system distributes both its responsibilities and opportunities more fairly.
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