By The Pulseline News Desk
Sri Lanka is set to present its foreign policy priorities and positions on key global issues at the United Nations (UN) as Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath prepares to address the General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Monday (28).
Minister Herath is scheduled to leave for New York on Saturday (26) to represent Sri Lanka during the High-Level Week of the 81st UNGA, according to the Foreign Ministry.
His address will provide Sri Lanka with an important international platform to outline its current foreign policy priorities, national interests and approach to major global challenges at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and growing pressure on the multilateral system.
The Minister is also expected to hold a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings with foreign ministers, senior UN officials and other international partners during his visit.
These discussions are expected to focus on strengthening Sri Lanka’s diplomatic relations and cooperation with partner countries, while also advancing areas of mutual interest including trade, investment, tourism and engagement with multilateral institutions.
For Sri Lanka, the UNGA remains a key forum to engage with both major powers and other states while articulating the interests of a small island nation located at a strategically important point in the Indian Ocean.
The country’s participation comes against a backdrop of intensifying geopolitical competition, conflicts and economic uncertainty, creating additional importance for Sri Lanka’s diplomatic engagement with the international community.
At the 80th UNGA in 2025, Minister Herath also used the opportunity to engage with international counterparts on areas including trade, investment, tourism and cooperation with multilateral institutions.
The 81st General Assembly is being held amid a broad range of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, the Palestinian question, climate change, rising sea levels, nuclear weapons risks, artificial intelligence and sustainable development.
The High-Level Week is being held in New York from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
The theme reflects concerns over the erosion of trust in multilateral institutions amid wars, humanitarian crises, climate-related threats, widening inequalities and rapid technological change.
Discussions at this year’s session are expected to cover international peace and security, sustainable development, climate action, nuclear disarmament and reforms to the multilateral system.
Against this backdrop, Minister Herath’s address will give Sri Lanka an opportunity to set out its position on some of the most pressing international issues while seeking to deepen diplomatic, economic and multilateral partnerships during a week that brings world leaders and senior officials together in New York.
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