On 15 June 2015, the United Nations General Assembly

elected Mogens Lykketoft of Denmark to serve as the

President of its seventieth session, which runs from

September 2015 to September 2016. At the time of his

election, Mr. Lykketoft was the Speaker (President) of the

Danish Parliament, a position he has held since 2011.

Mr. Lykketoft is an economist by training and a veteran parliamentarian and government minister. As chairman of the Social Democratic Party from 2002 to 2005, he was also the opposition leader in Parliament.

A Cabinet Minister for a total of 11 years – beginning in 1981, when he was Minister for Taxation – Mr. Lykketoft served most recently as Foreign Minister, from 2000 to 2001. Earlier, as Finance Minister from 1993 to 2000, he spearheaded economic reforms that led to a rise in employment rates and a strengthened economy. During the same period, Denmark, which has traditionally been an active supporter of international development efforts,

dramatically exceeded its development assistance targets.

Mr. Lykketoft’s career in Parliament began in 1981 and has spanned a dozen consecutive general elections – including the latest, in June 2015. He has currently taken leave from Parliament while he serves as the President of the United Nations General Assembly.

While Vice-President of the Parliament from 2009 to 2011, Mr. Lykketoft also served on its Public Accounts Committee, from 2006 to 2011, and was the foreign policy spokesman of his party from 2005 to 2011.

When his party was in opposition over the period 1982 to 1993, Mr. Lykketoft chaired several parliamentary committees and was its key negotiator with the government on economic policy and budgets. He also served as his party’s parliamentary spokesperson from 1991 to 1993, and again, from 2001 to 2002.

Previously, from 1975 to 1981, Mr. Lykketoft headed a department of the Danish Labour Movement’s Economic Council – an economic think-tank established by the Danish Confederation of Trade Unions and the Social Democratic Party.

Since 2010, Mr. Lykketoft has been a regular foreign affairs analyst and commentator with Danish TV2 News, appearing with former Foreign Minister Uffe Ellemann-Jensen of the Danish Liberal Party on the weekly news magazine Ellemann & Lykketoft.

Born in Copenhagen on 9 January 1946, Mr. Lykketoft will turn 70 during the Assembly’s seventieth session, a fact he highlighted during his acceptance speech to the world body upon his election. A graduate of the University of Copenhagen with a Master’s degree in economics, he has written books and articles on subjects ranging from foreign policy and security to economics and the “Danish Model” for employment and social welfare, including two books he co-authored with his wife, the Danish journalist and writer, Mette Holm. He has two daughters and five grandsons.

H.E. Mr. Mogens Lykketoft

President of the seventieth session of the

United Nations General Assembly

The 70th anniversary of the United Nations is a timely opportunity to highlight its many and enduring achievements -- and to strengthen our collective resolve to do more to promote peace and security, sustainable development and human rights.

Every day, the United Nations makes a positive difference for millions of people: vaccinating children;

distributing food aid; sheltering refugees; deploying peacekeepers; protecting the environment; seeking

the peaceful resolution of disputes and supporting democratic elections, gender equality, human rights

and the rule of law.

The challenges of our times transcend borders and require complex solutions reached through

negotiation and compromise. The theme of this anniversary year - “Strong UN. Better World” -- captures

the importance of multilateralism and the essential role of the United Nations.

Only when we work together can we overcome shared threats and seize shared opportunities; only at

the United Nations can all countries – large and small, rich and poor – and all people have their voices

heard. In our rapidly changing world, the United Nations remains humankind’s invaluable instrument of

common progress. Let us use this anniversary to reflect on the lessons of seven decades, and reaffirm

our commitment to serve “we the peoples” and build lives of prosperity, security and dignity for all.

“The United Nations is the hope and home of all humankind. The Charter is our compass."

Secretary-General Ban in remarks at ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the UN

Charter, San Francisco, 26 June 2015

Ban Ki-moon

Secretary-General's message regarding the

70th anniversary of the United Nations

Mr. President, Mr. Secretary General, Excellencies, Delegates, Ladies and Gentleman Being a long standing member of the United Nations, it is indeed an honour and a pleasure for me to address the United Nations Annual General Assembly as the newly elected President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Your Excellency Mogens Lykketoft, on behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka, please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your election as the President of the 70th Session of the General Assembly. Let me also convey my gratitude to the former President His Excellency Sam Kutesa who contributed immensely to the achievements of the 69th Session of the General Assembly. The United Nations now has a distinguished track record of seventy years. We in the UN have consistently engaged in the responsible and challenging task of ensuring global peace, security and development during these past seventy years. However, I realize that similar challenges are still ahead of us. Mr. Trygve Lie, the first Secretary-General of the United Nations when leaving office at the height of the Korean crisis in 1953 described the Secretary-General’s position as: “The most impossible job in the world”. It is no secret that all Secretaries-General who have held office contributed substantively to promote the universality of the United Nations and make it an organization that could serve humanity well in to the future. The incumbent Secretary-General His Excellency Ban Ki-moon has also made an excellent contribution to the Organization. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, please accept my honoured gratitude and that of my people for the service you have rendered. Mr. President, Sri Lanka has been a member of the United Nations for sixty years. As a member state we have played a very active and responsible role in the Organization. Sri Lanka is a nation that respects the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international conventions and treaties. A main objective of the UN is to recognize, safeguard and promote human rights. Sri Lanka remains committed to fulfil this responsibility. In this respect, we intend implementing a new programme and plan of action in Sri Lanka to advance human rights. Sri Lanka plays a multi-faceted role in the United Nations. Our contribution to UN peacekeeping missions that began in the 1960s continues. Sri Lanka looks forward to enhancing further, our committed contribution to UN Peace Keeping in the future. Mr. President, A new era of democracy dawned in Sri Lanka on January 08th 2015 ushering justice, freedom and equality. Our social and human development approach is founded on pluralism, reconciliation and

H.E. MAITHRIPALA SIRISENA

President of Sri Lanka

At the General Debate of the

70th Session of the United Nations

General Assembly New York,

30th September 2015

sustainable development. The development vision of my Government for the next five years is also based on the same. The theme of this Session - “Seventy Years of the UN: the Way Forward to Peace, Security and Human Rights”, is therefore very much in consonance with the vision of my Government. Moreover, my Government is committed to developing a proactive and practical programme in Sri Lanka to further ensure peace, security and human rights. Mr. President, The people of Sri Lanka elected a new President and a new Government in two consecutive elections during the last eight months. Within the first six months, my Government introduced essential amendments to the Constitution in order to strengthen democracy in Sri Lanka. These amendments have reinforced the foundations of good governance through institutional reforms that strengthened pluralism and democracy. With my personal intervention and facilitation, some of the executive powers vested in the Presidency were transferred to the Parliament and other independent institutions. Following the General Elections in August this year, I was able to unite the two major political parties in the country to create an alliance for consensual governance in the country, changing the confrontational political culture that prevailed in the country for six decades. Our new vision for the country involves achieving the twin objectives of sustainable development and reconciliation. A fundamental requirement in this context is dealing with the past honestly and building a modern Sri Lankan Nation. In dealing with the past we will follow a process of truth seeking, justice, reparation and non-recurrence. It is imperative that Sri Lanka adopts a new social, economic and political approach to rise up to the challenges of the 21st century. In this regard, reconciliation receives priority attention in my country. The new consensual government under my leadership has already taken several steps to introduce and operationalize constitutional and institutional reforms required to accelerate achievement of these goals. Mr. President, Sri Lanka is a country that has suffered from conflict. While conflict brings destruction to a society, there are also many lessons that could be learnt during and after conflict. All forms of war and terrorism are a disgrace to humanity. The Preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states the manner in which such rebellions break out. Whatever their root cause is, the challenge of this era is to find ways and means to defeat such brutality against humanity. Resorting to terrorism as a means to solve grievances as well as action taken to eliminate such terrorism can create problems. Sri Lanka succeeded in eliminating terrorism, which continues to throttle other developing countries extending from Asia to Africa and Latin America. We defeated one of the world’s most ruthless terror outfits. Equally, our post conflict experiences also have been significant. We believe that all these experiences can be shared fruitfully with other developing countries affected by terrorism. Sri Lanka remains prepared to engage in a more active dialogue with these countries and continue to speak and advocate against terrorism. Mr. President, It is in this context that I wish to address the theme of this year’s Sessions. We all know that the United Nations was established with the objective of preventing the recurrence of human tragedies derogatory to mankind that took place in the twentieth century. The theme this year is: “Peace, Security and Human Rights”. This theme motivates us to review whether we have lived up to the initial expectations of the United Nations during the past seven decades. Mr. President, I believe that for global development, it is important to have a dialogue within the South as much as between the North and South. My country that represents the South can contribute immensely to nurture such South-South dialogue.

Mr. President, Sri Lanka is in the forefront among the oldest representative democracies in the South Asian region. We have been fortunate in preserving the democratic ethos in our country despite the prolonged conflict. Despite several factors militating against maintaining a high economic growth rate, we succeeded in sustaining the state social welfare policies that were carried over from Independence. We never compromised on these policies which includes universal free education, free healthcare and eradication of poverty. Following a path of social democracy, Sri Lanka has succeeded in achieving high levels in the Human Development Index, even during the years of conflict. This success is testimony to our commitment for achieving the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations. Mr. President, Development should result in empowerment of women and youth and assure security for children. Frustration in youth usually leads to conflict. Nevertheless, Youth is the driving force for sustainable development. Therefore, we should transform the youth to a totally skilled workforce to succeed in the 21st century knowledge-based world. It should be a lead component of the Post 2015 Sustainable Development Agenda. We should similarly launch a national programmes to empower women and thereby enhance their contribution in development. Special programmes to protect the children and safeguard their rights are also an essential factor to develop an efficient and humane society. My understanding of sustainable development is not to have sectorally or group-wise isolated development, but to have an inclusive model of development that is capable of uplifting development standards globally. For this purpose, I stress on the need for a fresh universal approach. Mr. President, As we learn from the Buddhist tradition prevalent in Sri Lanka, I recognize there are three kinds of human conflicts. The first is the conflict between the human being and nature. We are constantly engaged in this conflict in order to enjoy material comforts in life. As a result, modern human beings seek to exploit natural resources extensively in the name of development. The second is the conflict between ‘human’ and ‘human’. Such conflicts occur among individuals, among communities and among nations. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms that such conflicts occur when human rights are not protected by rule of law. The third is the conflict within the human being. The two kinds of conflict I mentioned earlier occur when we lose the battle within us as human beings. Therefore, this is the root cause of all conflicts. Mr. President, Extremism, over-consumption, arbitrary exploitation of the environment, violation of human rights, vicious disparities in income are all results of our inability to overcome our craving. Among other problems, they cause insecurity, conflict, rights violations, and exploitation. The edifice of sustainable development should therefore be built upon the foundation of self-discipline and equity. If this could be practised at a personal, community, national and global level, it would mark a giant leap forward for human kind. I propose that we as national leaders, take cognizance of this self-discipline and equity-based approach when drawing relevant Action Plans for the future. May the Noble Triple Gem Bless you.

I am conscious of the fact that this message is written at a time the United Nations is marking it’s seventieth year since its inauguration and the United Nations Association of Sri Lanka is marking its sixty-fifth year since it’s founding. At a moment like this there are a number of historical antecedents that spring to my mind which have molded and helped in the formation of these two organizations. As for the United Nations, the lessons learnt from the demise of the League of Nations, and the reasons that made it necessary for the formation of a new international compact, in the nature of the United Nations may be poignant to remember. Historians have traced the demise of the League of Nations to the “unanimity rule” which its members as a collective practiced. The difficulty in obtaining a “Unanimity” among all its members in all the issues that came before them, regularly, which brought its work to a complete impasse, sounded the death knell of The League. It is interesting to note that a vesitige of the “unanimity Rule” still lingers in the proceedings of the U.N Security Council among the five “Great Powers”, much to the concern of the rest of the world. Besides these issues the greatest contribution which the International Community has made through the United Nations is the recently (1998) established Hague Court providing a leagal infrastructure for the enforcement of International Criminal Law, established under the Rome Treaty of 1998. That indeed was a significant contribution to the protection of Human Rights under International Humanitarian Law embodied in that Treaty. This is a significant achievement that merits salutary recognition on this seventieth year since the birth of the United Nations. The other event of equal importance which we are marking is the sixty-fifth year since establishing the United Nations Association of Sri Lanka. It is important to note that the Association was established five years prior to Ceylon’s admission to membership of the United Nations. The founding father of this Association was its benefactor and its moving spirit –Mr Kumaran Fernando. Both direct and indirect help was received from several sources including the Government of Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake the first Prime Minister of Ceylon. From tender beginnings the Association has had a formidable growth over the past sixty-five years. There were a number of persons who contributed to the growth and expansion of the Association. The

list is far too long to mention and besides those persons contributed, their time and labour, neither for

money nor for sonerous recognition. They contributed, and do still continue to contribute for the notion

and the concept that they believe in, which the United Nations represents. I thank them all for their

contributions without which it would not have been an easy task to contine the nature and volume of the

work that we are achieving.

Dr. Lakshman Marasinghe Ph.D (Lond.) Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Windsor,

Of the Inner Temple, Barrister –at-Law (England), Attorney –at- Law (Sri Lanka)

Message from

President

United Nations Association

Happy Birthday! - Seventieth birthday is certainly a milestone to celebrate the great contribution United Nations has made to the betterment of the world. We are living in a world which change is the only thing that does not change therefore we are pushed into a situation where each one of us has a role to play in taking up the present day challenges and moving towards a brighter future of this wonderful world. We at the United Nations Association are celebrating the sixty-fifth birthday we have embarked on a journey to inform the common people the irreplaceable work of the United Nations to the world. Our duty is to educate the people of the good contributions made to the UN to our country and also look at the contribution our country has made towards the success of the UN. Our association was formed on the 19th of August 1950 with able guidance of Sri Lanka’s Minister of Defence, Foreign Minister and the first Prime Minister the Right Honourable D S Senanayake PC MP. The first President of the Association was Major Montague Jayawickrama MP Parliamentary Secretary to the Minster of Defence and Foreign Affairs. Just within a year we were admitted to be the sole National Affiliate of the WFUNA - World Federation of United Nations Associations. Today one of the most senior members of the Federation actively involved the work of WFUNA. In 1981 we introduced the study circle program in the country on approval from the Ministry of Education and the first school was the Sri Dhammasara Piyaratana Madya Maha Vidyalaya in Dodanduwa insolently the first Buddhist School in Sri Lanka. Today it is one of our largest projects in the association spreading fast among the out station schools. In 1987 the then Secretary General Ambassador Javier Perez De Cueliar declared the UNASL a Peace Messenger organization of the UN. We are rooted in the values of the Association that has been built strongly by our former Secretary General Mr. Kumaran Fernando. We nurture effective well informed society with engagement and empowerment of the youth of this country to take up the most challenging roles in peace building and peace making. The association gives a platform with for the youngsters to showcase their talents and todays event is an excellent showcase. The core principles that guide us are teamwork, courage, friendship and of course, the will to create a better informed community. Our Association as for all NGO’s are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead and we are prepared to do what it takes to see that the association keeps growing towards our goals. We are indeed privileged to have an amazing committee with a multitude of strengths that would support this Association in keeping true to our mission. We look towards the further support and collaboration of our supporters – The United Nations in Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs On this great occasion where we celebrate the birthdays we are also thankful to all those who contributed to the success of this event

Message from

Secretary General

United Nations Association

THE UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION OF SRI LANKA

HISTORY & ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR

October 2014 to September 2015

History

The United Nations Association of in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was founded

on the 19th of August 1950, five years before Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) was admitted as a member nation

of the United Nations on the 14th of December 1955 together with 15 other countries.

The association is registered under the Companies Act no 17 of 1982 and with the Department

of Social Services and the N.G.O Council.

The Governors General and the President of the Republic of Sri Lanka have been the patron of

the association, Honorable the Prime Minister the Chief Vice Patron, the speaker and the Leader of the

Opposition were Vice Patrons. His Excellency Srilankabimana Justice Christopher Gregory

Weeramantry former Vice President of the International Court of Justice is an Honorary Vice President.

The Association is affiliated to the World Federation of United Nations Association (WFUNA) with

its Headquarters at the Palace of Nations in Geneva.

UNASL holds its Annual General Meeting on the last Saturday of March every year and the

members of the newly elected Committee are sworn in on this day.

The Committee consists of the President who is an eminent citizen of the country and an

Executive Committee consisting of an Executive Chairman, Secretary General, Treasurer, Editor, Two

Deputy Executive Chairmen, Five Assistant Secretaries, Vice Chairmen and Committee members.

Several categories of members is a feature, namely Annual, Life, Special Life, Complimentary,

Honorary members and Corporate members. The category called the Diplomatic members is perhaps

unique in that UNASL is the only organization having Diplomatic members. The Diplomatic members

have contributed immensely to the activities of the association in the past. The present membership

stand at around 2600.

The address of the Association is an follows:-

United Nations Association of Sri Lanka

39/1, Cyril Jansz Mawatha, Panadura 12500.

Telephone – 0382232123/038-2243080

Fax – 038-2232123

E-mail – unasl@slt.lk

Website – www.unasl.org

UNASL INVALUABLE SERVICES & UNASL HIGHEST HONOR AWARDS

DHARMADASA VITHARANA United Nations Association which was founded in December 20th 1950 reorganized in 1976. Late

Mr. Kumaran Fernando became the Secretary General and the Headquarter was moved to the

present location in Panadura. On the eve of the reorganization Mr. Dharmadasa Vitharana became a

Member of the Association. He was the 13th member among the members who joined the Association

after the reorganization. Dharmadasa on becoming a member of the Association unhesitatingly

assured responsibilities in a big way and contributed to the success of the Association and the many

projects & programmes conducted under the suspicious of the Association. He has functioned as a

Assistant Secretary General & Assistant Treasurer for many years. Later he was elected unanimously

for the post of Editor and continues up to now. His wife is a Life Member of the Association.

BRIGADIER GENERAL G . V. ELAPATA vsv

Brigadier Granville V ELAPATA vsv member of the Association since 03rd August

1976, has been Chairman - Executive Committee from 1989 to 2015 contributing in many

ways for the success of the programmes implemented by the Association.

MOHAMED ZAWAHIR

Zawahir joined the Association soon after leaving school and grew with the Association con-

tributing towards the work of the Association. He was appointed as the Assistant Secretary

General then took on the position of Deputy Executive Chairman during which period he was

the trainer for the university students on the "Model United Nations". Then he took on the

position of Editor of the Association from which position he was promoted to be the Executive

Chairman. Soon after the demise of the Secretary General he was appointed the acting

Secretary General in addition to the post he holds. He has been the Chairman of the UN Day

function for many years.

DESHAKEERTHI M.M.M. RUSHANUDEEN JPW He is an Most Active Member Board of Directors (National Executive Committee) of United

Nations Association in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. He is also a youngest

Life Patron & Life Member of UNASL since 1990. He was the founder and organiser of the UNA

Study Circle at Zahira College Colombo and become its first President in 199 L In view of his

very high record while in school, he is a First & only UNA Study Circle President to be

invited by NEC (Board of Directors), to stand election as an Member of Exco for year 92/93

& 93/9if then again in year 95/96, 96/97, 00/01, 01/02, 02/03, 03/04 & 04/05 as Asst.Secretary-

Genera1.05/06, 06/07, 07/08, as Vice Chairman. He is an old boy of Zahira College Colombo and

Hameed-Al-Hussienie College, Colombo. He is a Social Worker, young businessman and

Chairman/Managing Director of M/S. MMR Marketing Services (Pvt) Ltd and NIZAM

TRADING Colombo. He is Chairman of UNA Annual 2010. He has contributed in many ways for

the success of the programmes implemented by the Association.

CHANDANI KUSUMALATHA SILVA

Mrs. Chandani Silva Active Member of the Association since 23 rd October 1979, She was

Honouary Member & in Appreciation for her Invaluable Service from 1979 to 2015 contributing

in many ways for the success of the programmes implemented by the Association.

The Activities in the year 2014 – 2015

The National Executive Committee on successful completion of the first half of the year, continued meeting up on a monthly basis at the registered office in Panadura meeting on days most suitable for members of the Executive Committee. The National Executive Committee appreciated the work of the Medarata Unit for the progressive work they do in Kandy area.

1. National Observance of the 69th United Nations Day

The National Observance of the 69th United Nations Day was held at the Bishops College Auditorium on the 19th of October 2014 at 3.00pm with the singing of the National Anthem and ended at 5.00 pm with many opportunities given to students to showcase their talents in a large audience of around 800 participants from all walks of life. The special invitees and dignitaries present appreciated the work of the Association throughout the year. The keynote address for this grand event was a delivered by student from one of our study circle schools after winning the all island best speaker competition. The special speeches delivered and cultural items performed were

Address by the President of the Association Dr. Lakshman Marasinghe.

The Chief guest Honorable Prof. G.L. Peiris Minister of External Affairs

The Guest of Honor Mr. Subinay Nandy Resident Coordinator of the UNDP.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. P. Ravindu Rasanjana student of K/Sri Chandrasekara Maha Vidyalaya, Keselwatta. He was the winner of the Annual speech contest conducted by the UNASL. His speech was on International Year of Family Farmaing which was the UN Theme for the year 2014.

Cultural Items were presented by Ladies College, OKI International School and Asian International School students.

The European Union Ambassador David Daly, High Commissioner for Canada M/s Shelley Whiting, Brigadier General G V Elapatha, Mr A H M Azwer MP, and Consul General for Sri Lanka in Los Angeles Dr. Hector Weerasinghe and members of the UNA were present at this ceremony.

Many Annual awards were given to the Best Schools Study Circle, Best Teachers in Charge, the winners and runners up of the speech contest and the Quiz Program.

The Secretary General M M Zawahir delivered the vote of thanks.

2. Observance of the International Peace Day

The International Peace Day is an annual event which we observe at some of the Schools from our study circles. United Nations Association of Sri Lanka celebrated the UN Peace day on 19th September 2014 at Sri Chandrasekera Maha Vidyalaya at Horetuduwa, Panadura. Executive Chairman of the Association, Brigadier G. V. Elapatha presided the meeting and Mrs. Kumari Wickramasinghe, the Information Officer UN was the Chief Guest. Mrs. S. D. P.J. Abeysena, Principal of the School, teachers and students of the School and Dr. G.P.P.Silva former Editor, Mr. Dharmadasa Vitharana Assistant Secretary General, Mr. E. Karunarathne Executive Committee Member are participated at this ceremony. Key-note address was delivered by Mrs. Kumari Wickramasinghe, the Information Officer of UN. She explained the objectives of the UN,

Activities of the UN Agencies and contribution made to maintain peace and harmony among nations as well as contribution made towards education of children in the world. She also appreciated the services rendered by the UNASL.

Dr. Parakrama Silva, the former Executive Chairman of UNASL stated that the activities of UNASL made a contribution to improve the awareness of school children about UN and its activities through the school Program established by UNASL. The Principal of Sri Chandrasekera Maha Vidyalaya Mrs. S. D. P.J. Abeysena also spoke at the meeting. The ceremony was organized and conducted by the prefects and the students of Sri Chandrasekera Maha Vidyalaya.

The Information Officer of UN Mrs. Kumari Wickramasinghe donated publications of UN for raising awareness of student population about UN and its Agencies.

3. The Schools Study Circle Program.

The UNA Study Circle Program inaugurated in 1981 has a membership of 328 partner schools at present.

The programs held by the schools during the year are evaluated based on their activity reports and selected for Annual Awards.

We organized the Speech and General Knowledge Competition in all the schools that took part in the annual best speaker contest and the General Knowledge competition on the United Nations at the temple in Panadura. A speech contest among the schools based on the UN Theme for the year is held annually and the first - five places are given awards at the UN Day Ceremony. The winner delivers the Keynote Speech at the UN Day Observance.

Seminars are held by the Education Committee at the partner schools from time to time. It is usual to hold a seminar at a member school with several member school in the locality participating

Three school seminars were held during the past one year namely:-

1. “Train the Trainer Programme” a seminar for 70 school teachers was held on 25th February at the

UNIC Colombo. All expenses were borne by the UNIC.

Ms.Kumari Wickramasinghe ( Officer in charge – UNIC) , Prof. Lakshman Marasinghe,

M.M.Zawahir , Mr. Darmadasa Vitharana , Mr. E. Karunarathna , Mr. Sampath Priyankara,

Dr. G.P.P.Silva and Ms. Panchali Rathnayake participated in the seminar.

2. A Study Circle Seminar was held on 06th June 2015 at Swarnajothi National School in

Kiribathkumbura.

Ms.Kumari Wickramasinghe ( Officer in charge – UNIC), Dr. K. D. S. Ranasinghe and Ms.

Panchali Ratnayake participated in the seminar.

3. A Study Circle Seminar was held on 7th July 2015 at Mt. Christ Church College Matale at the

Assembly hall.

Ms. Hiranthi Gunawardena (Administrative Officer – UNIC), Ms.Kumari Wickramasinghe

(Officer in charge – UNIC), Mr. Mahesh Jayasinghe (Former Ass. Secretary Gen. -

UNASL)Mr. Darmadasa Vitharana and Mr. D. M. Siriwardena. participated in the seminar

Interaction with Diplomatic Missions is one of the major activities of the Associations Activities.

A delegation of members visited the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo in July and the Canadian

High Commission in August. The Diplomats were invited to obtain The Diplomatic Membership of

the association and they were briefed on the activities of the UNASL.

All the Heads of Diplomatic Missions were invited to be the Diplomatic Members of the Association

and to attend the UN Day which will be held in Colombo in October.

The Association has had continuous and close rapport with the Resident Coordinator of the UN

in Colombo. The UNDP has provided transport facilities for the Association’s team of Resource

Persons at the school seminars. Mrs. Kumari Wicramasingha Information Officer at the UN

Information Centre has deliverd a very informative speech at these seminar.

4. Kanagawa World Art Exhibition

The Association present up child art works to the 18th Biennial Kanagawa World Child Art Exhibition in Yokohama, Japan.

5. Annual General Meeting

Annual General Meeting was held on the 29th March at the National Secretariat General in Panadura starting at 11.00am. The first Notice was sent to all members before one month prior to the closing date of the nominations on 14th March. The second notice was also sent with the agenda for the meeting subsequently. Two ExCo members kindly consented to host the first 40 members who confirm attendance at the AGM.

The AGM approved the appointment of Mr. Rohana Manamperi LL B (Sri Lanka) B.E.D.-

D.I.P.(So) Attorney-at-Law, Notary Public & Commissioner for Oaths as Honorary Company Secretary on the recommendation made by the ExCo.

The new Executive Committee members as recommended by the outgoing Executive

committee was presented to the AGM held on 29th March and approved.

Patron

His Excellency MAITHRIPALA SIRISENA President of the

Republic of Sri Lanka

Patrons Emeritus

fPresident Mahinda Rajapaksha

Chief Vice Patron

Honourable Ranil Wickramasinghe Prime Minister (Life Member)

Vice Patrons:

The Speaker of Parliament, The Honourable Karu Jayasooriya ,

MP (Life Member)

The Honourable R. Sampanthan, MP, Leader of the Opposition

His Excellency Srilankabimana His Excellency Lankabimanaya

Christopher Gregory WEERAMANTRY Judge ad-hoc of the

International Court of Justice

Honorary and a Founder Member:

Kumaran FERNANDO (deceased)

Hon.Lalith Athulathmudali (deceased)

Honorary Members:

M.W.Deepika PRIYANGANIE, BA

Indrajith WIJEKULASURIYA

Brigadier Granville ELAPATA, VSV

Dharmadasa VITHARANA

M. M. Zawahir

Deshakeerthi M M M RUSHANUDEEN, JP (W/I)

Chandanie Kusumalatha Silva

Honorary Life Presidents:

Sri Lanka

Liyanage Henry Horace PERERA (deceased)

Desamanya Ambassador Dr. Gamini COREA, D Phil (Oxon) MA

(Cantab), (Life Member)

Desamanya Ambassador Dr. V.L.B.MENDIS, M Phil (Lond) Phd

(Col), (Life Member) (Deceased)

Desabandu Dr Siran DERANIYAGALA, MA (Cantab), phD (Harv)

Past President, (Life Member)

Desamanya Ambassador Nissanka WIJEWARDENE, Past

President ( Life Member )

Ambassador Jayantha DHANAPALA, Former Under Secretary

General of the United Nations for Disarmament Affairs and

Chairman of the UN Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Conference

Honourable Justice Shirani TILAKAWARDENE Judge of the

Supreme Court

Honorary Life Presidents

Overseas

Professor Agni VLAVIANOS-ARVANITIS - Greece (Founder &

President of the Bio politics International Organization) – (BIO) and

the International University for the Bio Environment

fPresident Nelson MANDELA (SA) – ( Founder & President of the

Republic of South Africa ) (deceased)

fPresident Mikhail S GORBACHEV, (Russia) Former President

USSR (Chairman of the GORBACHEV FOUNDATION in Russia)

Ambassador Javier Perez DE CUELLAR, (Peru) – (Secretary –

General Emeritus of the UN)

UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION

IN THE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF SRI LANKA

List of Patrons, Vice Patrons, Honorary members, Diplomatic, Complimentary and Supporting

members of the National Executive Committee for 2015

Ambassador Maurice F STRONG (Canada), (Former Under

Secretary – General of the UN), Secretary General of the UN

Conference on the Environment, Stockholm 1972 and 1992

Chairman, The Earth Council

Dr Marek HAGMAJER (Poland), Secretary General World

Veterans Federation, Secretary-General Emeritus, of the WFUNA,

President Special NGO Committee on Human Rights, Geneva

Dr Serguei GRIBKOV, Secretary General Emeritus of the former

UNA of the USSR

Honorary Life Vice Presidents:

Eric C ABEYWARDENE, (Life Member)

Professor Lakshman MARASINGHE, PhD (Lond), LLM (Lond)

LLB (Lond), (Life Member)

M Herman P PERERA, JP, UM

Complimentary Life Members:

Sri Lanka

Suresh JOACHIM, P N NANDADASA, Desmond FERNANDO,

PC, P Yasith DE SILVA, John K WIJESINGHE, JP, UM,

Prasanna VITHANAGE, David TELDENIYA, Arjuna RANATUNGA

, Dilantha MALAGAMUWA, J V W NAINANKADA, Daniel

BOLLEGALA, Dr Lawrence PERERA, W H DAYARATNE, Dr P R

Anthonis, Mahendra AMARASURIYA, Nadeeka PERERA,

Nandawathi NANAYAKKARA, T Anushka Damayanthi

FERNANDO

Complimentary Life Members - Overseas

Tony GREIG, Dr Louise FINKLER-BAHR, C Jan KAMP, Ren

HOUKUN, Hank Bartus Johannes FRISO, Stefan PFEIFFER, Dr

Fredrich Erhardt DIETRICH

Life Patrons - Sri Lanka

1. Professor Lorna DEWARAJA, BA (Hon), phD (Lond)

2. Adesh Ronald WIDMER (s w)

3. Major General C H FERNANDO, vsv

4. James A FEATHER

5. G J MONIE

6. M M ZAWAHIR

7. Colonel Dr P A C De SILVA (Deceased)

8. Deshakeerthi M M M RUSHANUDEEN, JP (W/I)

9. Nandadasa RAJAPAKSE

10. Manjula DE SILVA

11. Dr E M S EDIRISINGHE(Deceased)

National Executive Committee 2015/16:

Dr.. Lakshman Marasinghe, LL.B(Lond), LL.M(Lond),

PH.D(Lond) LL.D(Col) (PRESIDENT)

Brigadier-General G V ELAPATA, vsv (Executive Chairman)

M M ZAWAHIR (Secretary General)

S I Ahmed KABIR (Treasurer)

Dharmadasa VITHARANA (Editor)

Dr D W WEERASOORIA MBBS, FRCS, FCGPSL, FCSSL

(Deputy Executive Chairman)

Dr. K D S RANASINGHE, MBBS, FRCOG (Deputy Executive

Chairman)

Deshakeerthi M M M RUSHANUDEEN, JP (W/I)

(Senior Assistant Secretary General)

Sampath PRIYANKARA (Assistant Secretary General)

D M SIRIWARDENE (Assistant Secretary General)

E. Karunaratne (Assistant Secretary General)

Desamanya A. T. Malalgoda JP (W/I) (Assistant Secretary

General)

Deshakeerthi M Z M HANIEFFA, JP (W/I) (Assistant Secretary

General)

(Members of Executive Committee)

Dr. M Z M Nizar

P. R. Mallika Philips

Desamanya Ramar Gananathan JP (W/I)

U. A. Abdul Marsook, Attorney at Law

Dr. Kamal Abeywardena

M. D. Lalith D. Peiris

Eral G. Smith

Officers of the Association

John K WIJESINHA,JP,UM, Company Secretary, Attorney at law

Honorary Legal Advisors

M Herman P PERERA, JP, UM (Senior Legal Advisor) Attorney-

at-law

Chitral FERNANDO Attorney-at-law

John K WIJESINHA, JP, UM, Attorney at law

Official Printers:

Lake House Printers & Publishers Ltd, Dilruk Printers and Top

Printers

Diplomatic Members: Commonwealth of Nations, The High

Commissioner from the Court of Saint James and the High

Commissioners of Bangladesh, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Maldives,

Canada South Africa and Australia

Other Countries: The Ambassadors of Cuba, Germany, China,

Korea, Canada, Switzerland, Indonesia, Norway, Iran, Saudi,

Arabia South Africa and the European Union

Immediate Past President – Rohini Nanayakkkara

Past Presidents

Rienzie T Wifetilleke, FCIM

Ambassador S A C M ZUHYLE

Ambassador General Cyril RANATUNGE, former Commander

of the Sri Lanka Army, Defense Secretary and former High

Commissioner to the Court of Saint James

Desamanya Ambassador Nissanka WIJEWARDENE, Former

Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations,

Former Chairman Bank of Ceylon, Former Chairman of the

Greater Colombo Economic Commission and former Secretary to

the last Governor-General and numerous other high positions in

the Ceylon Civil Service

Desamanya Ambassador Neville KANAKARATNE, Governor-

Southern Province and former Ambassador to the USA and the

USSR and High Commissioner to India, former Legal Advisor to

three former Secretaries-General of the United Nations and former

UN Commissioner for Nambia. (Deceased)

Desamanya Ambassador Dr Vernon L B MENDIS,M Phil (Lond)

PhD (Colombo), former High Commissioner to the Court of Saint

James and Ambassador to France, now Director General

Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI)

(Deceased)

Desamanya Dr. Gamini COREA, MA (Cantab) D Phil (Oxon),

former Under Secretary-General of the UN and Secretary-General

of the UNCTAD, former Ambassador to the European Union

Desabandu Dr Siran DERANIYAGALA, MA (Cantab), PhD

(Harv), former Director General of Archaeology

Professor Lakshman MARASINGHE,LLD (Lond),b LLM (Lond),

LLB (Lond), University Professor and Head of the Faculty of Law,

University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

Desabandu Dr F G Hudson SILVA, Founder & President of Sri

Lanka Eye Donation Society Limited. (Deceased)

The Honourable Felix R Dias BANDARANAIKE, MP (Deceased)

Senator the Honourable Dr. M.V.P.Peiris.

(Deceased)

Major the Honourable Montague JAYAWICKREME, MP,

(Deceased)

Honorary Members of the National Executive Committee:

Ms Chandani VITHARANA (Most Senior Member)

Ms D Leelawathie SILVA (Most Senior Member)

Dr. G. P. P. Silva

Ms. Padma Samaradivakara Costa

Ms. Sarojini Wijay Rodrigo

Miss. Bimalka Madhubhashini Perera

Mr. Vengadasalan Arunan

Mr. A. E. Prasad Fernando

Honorary Permanent Resident Representative – Overseas

Thalif DEEN, at the United Nations (New York)

Eng. A. A. Irshad Ahamed (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore)

Past Patrons, who were Governors-General of The Dominion

and or Presidents of the Republic:

1950 - His Excellency the Right Honourable Herewald

Ramsbothan, Baron Soulbury of Soulbury,

GCMG,GCVO,OBE,MC (Second Governor-General of the

Dominion

His Excellency Sir Oliver Ernest

GOONETILLEKE,GCMG,KCVO,KBE,K St J (Third Governor-

General of the Dominion )

His Excellency William GOPALLAWA,MBE, LLd (HC)

Peradeniya, LLd (HC) Vidyalankara, D.Litt (HC) Vidyodaya, Fourth

and Last Governor-General of the Dominion, first President of the

Republic

His Excellency Junius Richard JAYAWARDENE, (First

Executive President of the Republic)

His Excellency Ranasinghe PREMADASA, (Second Executive

President of the Republic)

His Excellency Dingiri Banda WIJETUNGA (Third Executive

President of the Republic)

Her Excellency Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGA

(Fourth Executive President of the Republic)

His Excellency Mahinda RAJAPAKSHA (Fifth Executive

President of the Republic)

Past vice Patrons:

The Prime Ministers of the Republic

The Right Honourable Don Stephen SENANAYAKE, PC, MP

The Honourable Dudley Shelton SENANAYAKE, MP

General the Right Honourable Sir John Lionel KOTALAWALA, PC,

CH, KBE, MP

The Honourable Solomon West Ridgeway Dias BANDARANAIKE,

MP

The Honourable Dr Wijayananda DAHANAYAKA, MP

The Honourable Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias BANDARANAIKE, MP

The Honourable J R Jayawardhana,MP

The Honourable Ranasinghe PREMADASA, First appointed Prime

Minister)

The Honourable Dingiri Banda WIJETUNGA, MP (Second

appointed Prime Minister)

The Honourable Ranil WICKREMESINGHE, MP (Third appointed

Prime Minister)

The Honourable Chandrika Bandaranaike KUMARATUNGE, MP

(Fourth appointed Prime Minister)

The Honourable Mahinda RAJAPAKSE, MP (Fifth appointed

Prime Minister)

The Honourable Rathnasiri Wickramanayake

The Honourable D M Jayarathne

List of UN DAY Sponsors 2015

Bank of Ceylon

A A Irshard Ahamad,Eng

Span Engineering

Hatton National Flag

Seylan Bank

Chandrasiri Distributors

Al-Saffa Travels

M J M Shafeer

M J M Irshad

Perfect Engineering Industries

Maalinda Enterprises

Roshan Plastic Industries

Peoples’ Bank

List of Benefactors 2015

Sumathi Fernando

U Buddhika Senanayake

Media

Colombo Municipal Council

B V Merwin

Three Anniversaries

The year 2015 is unique as three organisations in the United Nations family celebrate anniversaries

during the year. In addition to being the seventieth anniversary of the establishment of the United

Nations, this year also is the sixtieth anniversary since the admission of Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) to the

United Nations family. This occasion is more important to the United Nations Association of Sri Lanka

(UNASL) as it celebrates the 65th anniversary of its establishment. It is noted with pride and humility

that the UNASL was established five years prior to the admission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations

family.

It is appropriate at this juncture for the Association to browse through into the past. In doing so , an

article titled “ History of UN Association of Sri Lanka 1950-2005” prepared by late Mr. Kumaran

Fernando for the publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs “ Sri Lanka and the United Nations -- 50

years of Partnership” was identified. This article which describes the circumstances relating to the

establishment of the UNASL prior to admission of Sri Lanka to the UN family is reproduced in this

Annual as a mark of respect to the pioneering work done by late Mr. Fernando for a continuous period

of fifty years for the upliftment of the UNASL until his demise in 2010.

Late Mr Fernando was among the young group of people who believed in the possibility of establishing

a supportive body of the United Nations even before the country is formally admitted to the UN. They

were able to convince the then Prime Minister the Late Right Honourable D S Senanayake of this fact

and were able to formally establish the UNASL in 1950 with Major Montague Jayawickrama as its first

President. Late Mr. Fernando took over the reins of the UNASL as the Secretary –General in July 1976

when the Association became less active and revived it to be among the most active support bodies

of the UN. In recognition of his untiring efforts he was named a “Peace Messenger “by the Secretary –

General of UN in …..

History of the UN Association of Sri Lanka

(1950 – 2005)

Mr. Kumaran Fernando

After the grant of political independence by Great Britain

in February, 1948 and the prompt steps taken by the

Government of Ceylon to be admitted as a member State

of the United Nations, it became apparent that the

country was not going to gain admission soon owing to

‘cold war’ differences between the two superpowe rs

within the Security Council.

This prompted a group of young people who had heard of

worldwide interest in setting up UN supportive groups

calling on Prime Minister D S Senanayaka to indicate to

him their interest in setting up a United Nations

Association in Ceylon. They felt that it was not necessary

to wait for formal admission of the country felt that it was

not necessary to wait for formal admission of the country

to the UN but that support by the people to the whol e

concept could begin at once.

The Prime Minister who was also the Minister of

E xternal Affairs agreed with this view and gave the group

his unreserved blessing and support. What is more at the

inaugural meeting of the United Nations Association of

Ceylon held at ‘Sravasti’ meeting hall, Major Montague

Jayewickreme, M P , Parliamentary Secretary to the

Ministry was unanimously elected as its first President

and Yogendra Duraiswamy as its first Secretary General.

The author was also present.

His E xcellency the Right Honourable Here wal d

Ramsbotham, the Governor- General was graciously

pleased to accept office as the first Patron, while Prime

Minister the Right Honourable D S Senanayaka, became

its Chief Vice Patron. This practice became a firmly

established tradition and has continued unbroken to this

day.

Immediately after the inaugural meeting, the author

personally called on Sir Oliver Goonetilleke, then

Minister of Home Affairs and invited him to enrol, to

which he promptly agreed and became the highest

ranking political figure to become a Member. Later, in

1954, on his assumption of office as the third Governor-

General, Sir Oliver became the Patron of the Association.

In 1951, the new Association gained admission to

WFUNA – the World Federation of United Nations

Associations –which had replaced the League of Nations

Union – as a national affiliate. The WFUNA, which had

been founded in 1946, became the chief voluntary

promoter of the United Nations among the People’s of the

World. Other national UNAs admitted that year we re

Jamaica, Burma and South Korea.

There was another landmark achievement that year. The

UNA had held its first AGM at which the author was

elected as the youngest member of the Committee of

Management and in that capacity travelled to E urope as a

representative of the UNA. In the United Kingdom he

successfully established a firm link with British UNA, an

arrangement that persists to this day, some 54 years later.

He also met John A F E nnals, THE FIRST Secretary -

General of the WFUNA with whom he established a

warm personal friendship which persisted until his

sudden death in China while on a visit to the UNA in that

country. This representative also met with M Francoi s

Dausset in Paris who was running the WFUNA Office in

that City where the Sixth Session of the UN General

Assembly were being held in the Palais des Chailliot. He

went on to meet the first Secretary- General, Tryg ve

Halvdon Lie, E leanor Roosevelt, and Ralph Bunche. He

also called on Shamaldharee Lall (India) Assistant

Secretary- General and officials of the Department of

Public Information who promised to supply printed in

bulk to the new UNA.

Most of all the most important and lasting Contact in

Paris was with Sir Gladwyn Jebb one of Britain’s top

diplomats who had attended the charter conference in

San Francisco and been elected at the end of it as the

executive secretary of the preparatory commission of the

United Nations. His first task was the launching of the

United Nations which he successfully carried out on 24

October 1945. Sir Gladwyn, together with British UNA

with the full support of his Majesty King Gorge VI and

British UNA Organised preparatory meetings at Church

House, Westminster, London During the autumn of 1945

followed by the first Sessions of the UN General

Assembly at Methodist Central Hall Westminste r

Beginning On 10 January, 1946 at Sir Gladwyn was

elected as the first and only ever acting Secretary General

of the United Nations.

When Trygve Halvdon Lie elected as selected as the Un

first Secretary General on 01 February Gladwyn stepped

down from the high pedestal on which history had placed

him and returned to his diplomatic duties elsewhe re

with the sobriquet “Father of the United Nations”

following him around. Many, many years later, the UNA

of Sri Lanka discovered him living in retirement in a

government flat and asked him to to his surprise and

pleasure to accept an honorary life president office whi ch

he did most promptly and remained so until he passed

away in 1999.

Later the author was introduced to Luis Padilla Nervo

Sixth President of the Un General Assembly who was

delighted to hear the news of a UNA in Ceylon. This took

place at the annual concert to mark the third anniversary

of the singing of the universal Declaration of the Human

Rights in that same city. The concert took place in the

underground theatre of the Palais in which the general

Assembly was in session. Sometime Later the UNA was

able to get elected to the executive committee of the

WFUNA.

Senator the honourable Dr MVP Peiris, succeeded the

first president of the UNA and continued until 1970 whe n

the honourable Felix R Dias Bandaranayake, Minister of

Justices was elected President with Nihal Jayewickrame ,

Secretary, Ministry of Justice as secretary General.

In 1976 Liyanage Henry Horace Perera, Secretary General

of the WFUNA (1966-76) worried that his home UNA

was inactive and decided to pay a visit just before

relinquishing duties as the WFUNA Secretary General.

He also found out that the UNA was having many

difficults in playing its annual dues to the WFUNA. He

felt that the UNA needed to be re-activated and after

hearing of Felix Dias Bandaranayake’s request to be

relieved of his duties as President; he spoke with Nihal

Jayawickreme and Kusala Abhayawardhana, M P and

asked if they could recommend a successor to

Jayewickreme. Kusala Abhayawardhana said she could

think o fonly one person whom Jayawickreme also kne w

very well.

At a meeting held (at the Justice Ministry Conference

Room in Hultsdorf on 07th July, 1976) presided over by

Haji S M A Raschid, J P, Senior Vice President, he

announced from the Chari of the letter of resignation sent

by Gelix Dias- Bandaranayake, and proposed the name of

Nihal Jayawickrama as President which was

unanimously accepted. After taking the Chair Nihal

Jayawickrama in his first act as President, proposed the

name of Kumaran Gernado, the author, for the post of

Secretary – General. After that Dr. Mackie Ratwatte

(Private Secretary to the Prime Minister) was also elected

a Vice President and the election of J A Gajanayake,

(Secretary of a Powerful Teacher’ Union) Professor K

Kularatnam (Professor of Geography of the University of

Colombo) and Ms. Irangani Ratwatte ( Private Secretary

to the Governor- General ) as E xCo Members, E lliott

Gunasekera a pracising lawyer and Secretary of the Legal

Aid Commission who was elected Treasurer pleaded soon

afterwards that he found it difficult to find time from his

professional duties to carry out the responsibilities as

Treasurer and so Indrajith Wijekulasooriya,

recommended by the new Secretary- General, took ove r

as de facto Treasurer. Next, the new President propose d

that L H Horace Perera, WFUNA Secretary General be

elected as the first Honorary Life President of the UNA

and this too was unanimously approved.

Back at the WFUNA Headquarters at the Palace of the

Nations, Geneva, Horace Perera quickly got in touch wi th

Hilary Barratt-Brown a former British Army Officer who

had served in Sri Lanka during the Second World War

and had taken a deep liking to the people of the country.

After demobilasation he had become a UNA enthusiast

and married a rich lady whose home was in Majorca,

among the Balearic Islands of Spain. He promptly agreed

to Horace Perera’s suggestion to meet the annual dues to

the WFUNA and also settle some accumalated arrears as

well.

The new Secretary – General got together a small team to

help him. They were, among others Dharmadasa

Vitharan, Brigadier Granville E lapata, a serving Army

Officer, Ms. Verna Karunatilleke, and Lakshman

Ranathunga all mercantile employees who remain

supporters to this day. They were followed later by Henry

Karunaratne (now decesased) and Shelton Peiris. There

was also Chandani Silva, and Leelawathie Silva who

became the hostesses at the National Office whi ch

continued to be visited by Ambassadors, High

Commissioners and even Ministers. These two ladies

continue to serve the UNA in different ways to this day.

E nthusiastic and firm support also came unexpectedly

from the then Director, UN Division of the Ministry of

Foreign Affairs, Karen Breckenridge who not long

afterwards died from a motor accident in Geneva. His

support was followed by that of K Manikkalingam.

Ambassador Susantha De Alwis after his return from

serving in Geneva, also became a close supporter.

In 1978, Y Duraiswamy was elected as its new President.

Friendly relations were then established with the UNAs

of the Soviet Union, India, Poland, Bangaladesh, Pakistan,

Canada and Japan. The UNA of China which had been a

Founder Member of the WFUNA during the Chiang Kai-

Shek regime, had been disbanded after the Revolution of

1949 and Sri Lanka joined other UNAs world - wide in

writing separate letters to the Government of the People’s

Republic of China appealing for the re-activation of the

UNA, an appeal which was heeded and which led to

China taking its rightful place in the Councils of the

WFUNA in 1985. The UNA of the Soviet Union became

the largest benefactor not only of the UNA but also of

WFUNA itself which too was on the verge of financial

collapse many times but was saved by the Soviet UNA.

Many distinguished citizen enjoying high public standing

came forward to support the UNA and remain

unsvervingly loyal to the Association to this day. Among

the distinguished personalities who became Life

Members and are still with us with two exceptions,

30years later, are Desamanya Ambassador Dr. Gamini

Corea, Desamanya Ambassador Dr. Vernon Mendis,

Desamanya Ambassador Nissanka Wijewardene ,

Desabandu Dr. Hudson Silva, Desabandu Dr. Shiran

Deraniyagala. Dr. Kim Hak-Su, currently a UN Under-

Secretary-General and E xecutive Director of UNE SCAP

and Ambassador Jayantha Dhanapala, former Under

Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs of the UN and

a leading Contender for the world’s top job of UN

Secretary-General in 2006. The exceptions are the

passing away of Desamanya Ambassador Neville

Kanakaratne and Desabandu Dr. Hudson Silva. The

former’s demise dealt a severe blow to the Association

and this is felt over and over again to this day.

UNA Study Circles project was launched in 1981. This

project was converted into a programme in 1990 with the

formal approval of the E ducation Minister Lalith

Athulathmudali, who too had been in his student days a

Founder Member of the UNA in 1950, and was only too

happy to give the project his blessing and instruct the

Ministry officials to issue a general circular to all

secondary schools to establish UNA Study Circles and

deal directly with the UNA. Today, in 2005, the

programme reached the beginning of its silver jubilee year

with 300 secondary schools on its register and

constituting the largest ongoing activity. Y Y Kim the

then UNDP Resident Representative and Director of the

UN Information Centre in Colombo, extended his

support by offering a UNDP vehicle with driver and fuel

for the Study Circle Mobile Unit to visit a Member School

once or twice a month or for an overnight stay involvi ng

two days.

In 1987, Secretary General Javier Perez De Cuellar

appointed the UNA as an Official UN ‘Peace Messenger’

the only NGO in the country almost 20 years later to be

so honoured. In 1989 the Association was incorporated by

the Registrar of Companies under the Companies Act No

17 of 1982. Then in 1991 the UNA launched its monthl y

public lecture programme and up to the end of 2005, had

conducted 60 public lectures. Ambassadors, Judges,

University Professors, NGO leaders and others from

different groups have delivered lectures under this

ongoing programme which is very much in demand.

In 1995, the Foreign Ministry set up a National

Committee to organize the UN50 celebrations to mark

the golden jubilee of the founding of the United Nations

and invited the UNA to serve on the committee as the sole

NGO. On a proposal was accepted by the NatCom and

the UN50 Secretariat in New York allocated more than

half the required amount. The entire balance was met by

the Seylan Bank and with the Cooperation of the Rilways

Department the whole project was successfully

conducted over a period of four months. It was declared

open at the Fort Railway Station By the then Foreign

Minister, Lakshman Kadirgamar.

The fiftieth anniversary or golden jubilee of the UNA was

held in 2000 with a message from UN Secretary- General

Kofi Annan who said “Since its birth in 1950, the UNA of

Sri Lanka has been a valuable ally of the United Nations –

a two- way link between the Organisation and the people

it exists to serve. As long as there are people like you

willing and able to dedicate themselves to the betterme nt

of all, there is hope”

In 2004, the UNA proposed to the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs that a National Committee be sent up to mark the

golden jubilee of Sri Lanka’s Admission to the UN in

2005. The proposal was accepted by Foreign Minister

Kadirgamar and the Committee established under the

Chairmanship of the Deputy Foreign Minister, Professor

Wiswa Warnapala.

In 2005, the Association began by electing Rienzie T

Wijetilleke one of Sri Lanka’s best known Bankers and

Chairman of the Hatton National Bank as its ne w

president. He led the Association in the observances for

the Sixtieth Anniversary of the Signing of the UN Charte r

by prospagating and article on the subject wide l y

reproduced in many newspapers with a photograph of

the Ceylon National flag being hoisted at the UN for the

first time and TV intervie ws on two state channels in

Sinhala and E nglish.

With a splendid performance, the National Observance of

the Diamond Jubilee UN Day was held in an unbroke n

chain of 55 years, in the glittering Main Saloon of the

Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall

after 28 years and where every seat was occupied with the

Speaker of Parliament, the Honourable W J M

Lokubandara, as the Chief Gust.

UNA’s final bow for the memorable year was the

assistance given to the Foreign Ministry National

Committee to Organise a brilliant and spectacular

ceremony and performance to mark Fifty Years of Sri

Lanka with the United Nations in honour of which this

book is being published by the National Committee.

. Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Development– the way forward, beyond 2015

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were developed and adopted by the United Nations in year 2000 in order to assist in the rapid economic development in the developing world. There were eight such goals adopted by the UN namely, eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary education, promotion of gender equality, improvement of maternal health, combatting Hiv/Aids, achieving environmental sustainability and achieving global partnership for development. This strategy resulted in the enhancement of the development of many developing countries.

The eight Millennium Development Goals which were adopted in the year 2000 were to be accomplished by 2015. During this period, it was clear that enormous progress has been made towards achieving these goals. Global poverty has continued to decline while attendance in primary schools has increased tremendously. In addition, deaths of small children and deaths during pregnancy have also decreased. Access to safe drinking water throughout the world has increased significantly. Targeted investments in fighting Malaria, Aids and Tuberculosis have saved millions of lives. It has been proved beyond any doubt that attempts at adhering to MDGs are making a real difference in people’s lives, and the UN agreed after considerable deliberation that progress so achieved can and should be expanded. Most of the countries with strong leadership and accountability and countries with state commitments in the field of health and education such as Sri Lanka were able to achieve the MDGs prior to many other countries.

The success in achieving the targets set in the MDGs prompted the United Nations to initiate discussions on carrying forward the development achieved through the MDGs. These discussions were initiated at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), held in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012. At this conference, the initial steps to develop a set of goals to carry forward the success of the MDGs were discussed and the

member states agreed in principle to initiate a process to develop a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS).

One of the main outcomes of the Rio+20 Conference was the agreement by member States to launch a process to develop a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will build upon the Millennium Development Goals and converge with the post- 2015 development. It was decided to establish an "inclusive and transparent intergovernmental process open to all stakeholders, with a view to developing global sustainable development goals to be agreed by the General Assembly”

Rio+20 did not elaborate specific goals but stated that SDGs should be limited in number, aspirational and easy to communicate. Member States agreed in the Rio+20 Outcome Document that SDGs must be based on Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, fully respect all the Rio Principles, and also be consistent with international law. They also agreed that the goals should build upon commitments already made and contribute to the full implementation of the outcomes of all major summits in the economic, social and environmental fields. It also should focus on priority areas for the achievement of sustainable development, being guided by the Outcome Document and also address and incorporate in a balanced way, all three dimensions of sustainable development and their inter linkages. It was expected that the goals should be coherent with and be integrated into the United Nations Development Agenda beyond 2015. In addition it was noted that it should not divert focus or effort from the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and also include active involvement of all relevant stakeholders, as appropriate, in the process. It was further agreed that SDGs must be Action-oriented, Concise, Easy to communicate, Limited in number, Aspirational, Global in nature, Universally applicable to all countries, while taking into account different national

realities, capacities and levels of development and respect national policies and priorities. The Outcome document further specifies that the development of SDGs should:

Be useful for pursuing focused and coherent action on sustainable development

Contribute to the achievement of sustainable development

Serve as a driver for implementation and mainstreaming of sustainable development in the UN system as a whole

Address and be focused on priority areas for the achievement of sustainable development

The sustainable Development goals should address in a balanced way, all three dimensions of sustainable development namely economic, social and environmental and be coherent with

and be integrated into the UN development agenda beyond 2015. A 30-member Open Working Group (OWG) of the General Assembly was tasked with preparation of a proposal on the SDGs. The Rio+20 outcome document, The Future We Want states that, at the outset, the OWG

will decide on its methods of work, including developing modalities to ensure the full involvement of relevant stakeholders and expertise from civil society, the scientific community and the United Nations system in its work, in order to provide a diversity of perspectives and experience. The OWG was established on the 22nd of January 2013 by a decision of the General Assembly. In its first session, the OWG elected two co-chairs. Namely Mr. Csaba Kõrösi, Permanent Representative of Hungary, and Mr. Macharia Kamau, Permanent Representative of Kenya. The Member States decided to use an innovative, constituency-based system of representation that is new to limited membership bodies of the General Assembly. It meant that most of the seats in the OWG are shared by several countries. The group was selected from five groups of countries namely African, Asia Pacific, Latin American, Western European and Eastern European groups. Sri Lanka participated jointly with India and Pakistan as a member representing the Asia Pacific group.

The diagram below indicates the process by which the proposals for SDGs were formulated.

The OWG nearly after two years of deliberations developed set of seventeen goals (17) and one hundred sixty nine targets (169)

to go along with them. These 17 goals are listed below.

The 17 proposed Sustainable Development Goals

1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere 2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture 3. Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages 4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for

all 5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls 6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all 7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all 8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment,

and decent work for all 9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster

innovation 10. Reduce inequality within and among countries 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable 12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns 13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (taking note of agreements made

by the UNFCCC forum) 14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable

development 15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage

forests, combat desertification and halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss 16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to

justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels 17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable

development

The diagram below categorises the above seventeen goals into six main areas namely Dignity,People, Prosperity, Planet, Partnership and Justice. These draft Sustainable Development Goals and the169 targets would be taken up for discussion at the United Nations Summit for adoption of the Post 2015 Development Agenda. Two resolutions will be taken up for discussion and adoption. The summit is scheduled for 25th to 27th September 2015 to be held as a high level plenary meeting of the General Assembly and two important reports will be discussed prior to adoption. One is Transforming our world - the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This document which was a result of prolonged inter- governmental negotiations in which the facilitators were the permanent Representatives of Kenya and Ireland , was finalized and submitted , to the United Nations on the 12th of August 2015.

The preamble of this report is reproduced below so that the readers may have a clear

idea of its objectives .

“This Agenda is a plan of action for People, Planet and Prosperity. It also seeks to strengthen universal peace in larger freedom. It recognizes the need for eradicating poverty in all its forms and

dimensions, including extreme poverty, the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement

for sustainable development.

All countries and all stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, will implement this plan. It is resolved to free the human race from the tyranny of poverty and want, and to heal and secure our planet. We are determined to take bold and transformative steps which are urgently needed to shift the world on to a sustainable and resilient path. As we embark on this collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets which we are announcing today demonstrate the scale and ambition of this new Universal Agenda. They seek to build on the Millennium Development Goals and complete what the MDGs did not achieve. They seek to realize the human rights of all and to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. They are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social and environmental. The Goals and targets will stimulate action over the next fifteen years in areas of critical importance for humanity and the planet: People

We are determined to end poverty and hunger, in all their forms and dimensions, and to ensure that all human beings can fulfill their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment. Planet

The people of the United Nations are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural resources and taking urgent action on climate change, so that it can support the needs of the present and future generations. Prosperity

We are determined to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature Peace We are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies which are free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.

Partnership

We are determined to mobilize the means required to implement this Agenda through a revitalised Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity, focused in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable, and with the participation of all countries, all stakeholders and all people.

The interlinkages and integrated nature of the Sustainable Development Goals are of crucial importance in ensuring that the purpose of the new Agenda is realised. If we realise our ambitions across the full extent of the Agenda, the lives of all will be profoundly improved and our world will be transformed for the better.

In addition to being a detailed agenda of Development Goals for the next fifteen years commencing 2016, replacing the MDGs, this report also discuss two other important aspects of development namely, implementation and follow up. The report discusses in great detail all aspects of implementation and the need for global partnership in successful implementation of the goals and the related targets. It also should be noted that the 17th SDG is to strengthen the means of implementation. Therein the report has 19 separate targets to cover areas such as Finance, Technology, Capacity building, Trade and other systemic issues that are important in implementation. The report has also discussed ways and means of follow up and review of the levels of implementation. It is indicated that there is a need for follow up at national, regional and global levels. National level follow up will be the responsibility of individual member countries while the regional level follow up will have to be undertaken by various regional bodies with the assistance of regional organisations of the UN. Global review would be coordinated by the UN and will be carried out by the High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. (HLPF). It is expected that a meeting of the HLPF will be held in 2016. Finally, the report also include a very important section namely A call for action to change our world. It is essentially a plea for successful implementation of the SDGs and its related targets. It says, that the future of humanity and our planet lies in the hands of Global community, specially the younger generations. It would be the duty of all to ensure that the goals are implemented and that the gains are irreversible. The Global community must unite and be bold enough to take up this challenge.

WHAT IS PHOTONICS

Photonics is the science and technology

for the future. The 21st century will

depend as much on photonics as the

20th century depended on Electronics.

It is the science2 and technology of

generating, controlling, and detecting

photons, which are particles of light.

Photonics underpins technologies of

daily life from smartphones to laptops

and the Internet and from medical

instruments to lighting technology.

Photonics is expected to play in the 21st

century, the role played by Electronics

in the 20th century.

With Best Compliments from

ROTAVIRUS Gastroenteritis

Introduction

Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants and young children worldwide. It is the leading cause of severe dehydrating diarrhoea in children less than 5 years of age. It causes 138 million diarrhoeal episodes, 2 million hospitalizations and an estimated 453,000 deaths, each year. About 90% of the deaths occur in low income countries in Africa and Asia. Worldwide it is estimated that almost every child has had at least one episode of diarrhoea due to rotavirus by the age of 5

years.

Rotavirus infection in Sri Lanka is a significant cause of morbidity. Several studies and the ongoing rotavirus surveillance studies show that rotavirus causes about 24% of the watery diarrhoeal infections. Of this, 80% of the infections occur in the age group < 2 years. However, mortality due to rotavirus infection in

Sri Lanka is low.

Virology

Infection is caused by rotavirus which is a member of the genus reoviridae. It is divided into 7 groups A-G out of which only group A infects humans. The virus has 2 surface glycoproteins G and P. The genotypes of rotavirus are based on these glycoproteins. There are 15 G types and 26 P types. Out of this 5 G types are seen commonly G1-4 and G9. The common P types are 8, 6 and 4. Approximately, 90% of the infections worldwide are due to 5 types: namely, G1[P8], G2[P4], G3P[8]. G4P[8] and G9P[8]. The strain type does not correlate with severity of clinical illness. The most common genotype seen in the developed world is G1P[8]. However, the developing countries show greater strain diversity with uncommon strains. Several strains might circulate at the same time. All these genotypes have been demonstrated in Sri

Lanka.

Epidemiology

The incidence of rotavirus infection is comparable in the developing and developed world unlike infection with bacterial pathogens. This shows that increased disease awareness,

improved sanitation and hygiene and safe water supply is not effective in controlling the spread of the disease. The mortality is higher in the

developing countries than developed countries.

In most low income countries in Asia and Africa, rotavirus infection is seen year-round with one or more periods of relatively intense rotavirus circulation. In contrast, seasonal peaks of gastroenteritis have been demonstrated in

temperate countries.

Transmission

Rotavirus is shed in very high numbers during acute infection (1012 viral particles per gram of stools), both in stools and vomitus. It is transmitted from person to person by the faeco-oral route via contaminated fomites. Transmission by contaminated food and water is not common. Transmission via the respiratory route has been suggested. It is infectious in low doses (about 100 viral particles). The virus can survive in the environment for days and in stools

for months.

Pathogenesis

The majority of pathological changes are confined to the small intestine, and diarrhea is

thought to arise from several mechanisms.

Rotavirus infects the proximal two thirds of the ileum by binding to mature enterocytes at the tips of the villi. These non-proliferative cells of the ileum are differentiated to carry out digestive and absorptive functions. In addition, these cells allow absorption across the enterocyte barrier, through both passive diffusion and active transport. Crypt cells, located in the valleys between villi, perform a secretory role, actively secreting chloride ions into the intestinal lumen. Thus enterocytes favour absorption while crypt

cells favour secretion.

The virus enters the enterocytes through direct penetration or receptor mediated endocytosis. Virus-induced cell death leads to sloughing of the villus epithelium and proliferation of secretory crypt cells in response. The absorptive capacity of the gut thus decreases, while fluid and electrolyte loss into the lumen ensues. Diarrhea also arises from the activity of

a viral enterotoxin, nonstructural protein 4 (NSP4). This causes diarrhoea by triggering cellular signaling and calcium mobilization that in turn leads to secretory diarrhoea. Finally, the enteric nervous system contributes to the maintenance of diarrhea, stimulating secretion

of fluids and solutes.

Clinical illness

The incubation period is 1-3 days and an infected child will excrete the virus a few days before and after the clinical illness. The clinical spectrum of the disease is wide, with transient loose stools to severe diarrhoea with dehydration leading to death. Typically, the clinical illness is of abrupt onset, with fever, vomiting and explosive watery diarrhoea up to10 times a day. There is no blood in the stools but it may be mucoid in about 20% of the patients. The illness usually lasts about 3-9 days but may be prolonged up to 2-3 weeks. As many as 50% of the infections can be

subclinical.

Children with rotavirus are more likely to have watery diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and dehydration when compared with children with diarrhoea due to other pathogens. A majority of children (63%) present with a combination of fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, children may present with any 2 or even only 1 of these

symptoms.

Immunity

The primary infection which occurs around 3 months of age, is the most likely to cause severe gastroenteritis with dehydration. This confers protection for rotavirus gastroenteritis in 77% of patients and against severe gastroenteritis in 87% of patients. The primary infection confers homotypic immunity and subsequent infections confer a broader,

heterotypic immunity.

Laboratory Diagnosis

Illness caused by rotavirus is difficult to distinguish clinically from that caused by other enteric viruses. The nature of diarrhoea and susceptible age might give an indication to the causative agent. Because large quantities of virus are shed in feces, the diagnosis can usually be confirmed by EIAs and other

methods. There are rapid methods like latex agglutination tests which are less sensitive than EIA. Electron microscopy has being used in the diagnosis of rotavirus but is even less sensitive than the other methods. Typing of rotavirus is done by PCR methods. Identification of uncommon serotypes like G12 need

sequencing.

Management

There is no specific treatment for rotavirus gastroenteritis. Management depends on management of the dehydration. can lead to severe dehydration. As infection can lead to severe dehydration, appropriate treatment should be instituted early. Standard oral rehydration therapy is successful in mild to moderate but IV fluid replacement may be required for patients who are severely dehydrated or are unable to tolerate oral therapy because of frequent vomiting. Antibiotics and antimotility agents should be

avoided.

Prevention

Two types of live, attenuated vaccines are available. Both are liquid, oral vaccines. One is a human monovalent vaccine (RV1) against G1P[8] and the other is a bovine-human reassortant pentavalent vaccine (RV5) against G1-4 and P[8]. However, both vaccines give cross immunity to other genotypes of rotavirus. Both are administered orally. The vaccine will prevent about 74-87% of all rotavirus gastroenteritis, >80% of severe cases, and about 95-100% of hospitalizations due to

rotavirus.

The Human monovalent vaccine is a lyophilised vaccine which has to be reconstituted with a diluent. The dose is 1 mL given orally at 2 and 4 months of age. The minimum age for the first dose is 6 weeks and the minimum interval between the doses is 4 weeks. The second

dose should be given before 6 months of age.

The Bovine-human reassortant pentavalent vaccine is a liquid vaccine. The dose is 2 mL given orally at 2, 4 and 6 months. The minimum age for first dose is 6 weeks and should be given between 6 -12 weeks of age. The minimum interval between the doses is 4

weeks. All 3 doses should be administered

before 8 months of age.

Rotavirus vaccines can be given simultaneously with other childhood vaccines including DTaP, Hib, IPV, Hepatitis B, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and OPV. There is no restriction on breast feeding or other liquid milk, before or after vaccination.

Contraindications to the rotavirus vaccine include life-threatening allergy to any

component of the vaccine, severe immunodeficiency including severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and moderate or severely illness. This includes children who have acute, moderate to severe gastroenteritis.

The adverse effects are mild, with diarrhoea, vomiting, otitis media and nasopharyngitis as the common side effects.

There is a low risk of intussusception with both vaccines (1-5 cases/100,000 infants). The manufacturers recommend that the vaccine is contraindicated in children with a history of intussusceptions or an abnormality of the gastro-intestinal tract which can predispose to intussusception

(eg. Meckel’s diverticulum).

Dr Geethani Galagoda MBBS, Dip. (Med. Micro), MD

Consultant Virologist, Medical Research Institute, Colombo

The International year of Light

And Light based technologies

The United Nations decided on 20th December 2013 that the year 2015 be declared as the

International Year of Light and Light based Technologies. International year of light is a global

initiative which will highlight to the citizens of the world, the importance of light and optical technologies

for their lives, their futures and for the development of the society. It is a unique opportunity to inspire

educate and also get together on a global scale.

Why light matters

Light is necessary for the existence of life itself

and many applications of light have

revolutionized society through medicine,

communications, entertainment and culture.

Light and Photonics are poised to become key

enabling technologies of the future. It is stated

that in the 21st century, Photonics would play the

role played by Electronics in the 20th century.

Learn about light

Light is everywhere. It assists in our daily

activities and provides us with entertainment,

security, technological advancement, health

care and many other benefits. It is possible for

us to discover different roles of light and its

applications play in our everyday lives.

Light for Development

There are some interesting facts regarding the

use of light for development and the importance

of light in various other activities. On one side of

the coin is the 1.5 billion people who are

without proper lighting for their day to day

activities. On the other side are residents of

developed countries who are no longer able to

appreciate the beauty of the night sky due to

illuminations in many cities, which sometimes

are unnecessary. On a global sense, it amounts

to inefficient usage of resources. During the

year of Light attempts will be made to attain a

balance between the lack of lighting and

unnecessary usage which amounts to “light

Pollution’.

Why 2015

The year 2015 has not just been randomly

selected as the IYOL; this year marks a number

of significant anniversaries in the history of

Optics and Photonics:

1000 years since Ibn Al-Haytham

wrote his Book of Optics, covering color, visual perception, reflection and refraction

200 years since Augustin-Jean Fresnel proposed the idea that light is a

wave 150 years since James Clerk Maxwell

proposed the electromagnetic theory of light propagation

110 years since Albert Einstein

proposed a quantum explanation for the photoelectric effect

100 years since Einstein proposed his

general theory of relativity, embedding light in cosmology.

50 years since Arno Penzias and Robert Woodrow Wilson’s discovery of the cosmic microwave background, and Charles Kao’s achievements

concerning the transmission of light in fibers for optical communication

The launching Ceremony for the IYOL was held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris where over 1000 delegates inclusive of six Nobel Laureates participated. The Secretary - General in a video message stated that Light and Light based Technologies are expected to

play a vital role in accelerating sustainable development by offering practical solutions to global challenges of the 21st century.

Mr. John Dudley the Chairman of the Steering Committee IYOL 2015 stated that the “International Year of Light is a tremendous opportunity to ensure that international policymakers and stakeholders are made aware of the problem-solving potential of light technology. We now have a unique opportunity to raise global awareness of this.”

At the opening ceremony there were a series of seminars and other discussions on topics related to Light and Light based technologies. Six Nobel Laureates participated in these seminars.

During the year, a long list of activities of varied nature has been organized to take place in many countries throughout the world by the steering committee. These are too many to be listed here. Further information is available in the IYOL Website.

Activities are expected to be completed in February 2016 in Yucatan, Mexico close to the Mayan archaeological site of Chechen Itza where earliest astronomical observations were carried out.

Seventieth Anniversary of the

United Nations

United Nations which was initiated with signing of the United Nations Charter in June 1945 by 51

countries after the end of the second world war was formally established on 24 th October 1945

when the Charter came into force after formal approval by member countries . The major objectives

as indicated in the Charter of the UN are , maintaining international peace and security, developing

friendly relations among nations and fostering worldwide cooperation in solving economic, cultural

and humanitarian problems while promoting human rights and fundamental freedom of the people of

the world.

UN celebrates its seventieth anniversary this year and the Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon in a

message on this occasion states:

“The 70th anniversary of the United Nations is a timely opportunity to highlight its many and enduring

achievements -- and to strengthen our collective resolve to do more to promote peace and security,

sustainable development and human rights.

Every day, the United Nations makes a positive difference for millions of people: vaccinating children;

distributing food aid; sheltering refugees; deploying peacekeepers; protecting the environment; seeking

the peaceful resolution of disputes and supporting democratic elections, gender equality, human rights

and the rule of law.

The challenges of our times transcend borders and require complex solutions reached through

negotiation and compromise. The theme of this anniversary year - “Strong UN. Better World” --

captures the importance of multilateralism and the essential role of the United Nations.

Only when we work together can we overcome shared threats and seize shared opportunities; only at

the United Nations can all countries – large and small, rich and poor – and all people have their voices

heard. In our rapidly changing world, the United Nations remains humankind’s invaluable instrument

of common progress. Let us use this anniversary to reflect on the lessons of seven decades, and

reaffirm our commitment to serve “we the peoples” and build lives of prosperity, security and dignity for

all”.

Addressing the commemoration ceremony held on the 26th June 2015 in San Francisco where the UN

Charter was signed 70 years ago he stated that

The United Nations is the hope and home of all humankind The Charter is our compass.

During the anniversary year the UN has embarked on a set of activities which are of paramount

importance to the world as a whole, the most significant among them is the plan for adoption of an

Agenda for Sustainable Development. Plans are in place for the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for

Sustainable Development. Seventeen goals and 169 targets are to be discussed at the General

Assembly from 25th to 27th September prior to adoption.

These goals are expected to replace the Millennium Development goals adopted in 2000 and will act

as a road map for the development of the world as a whole.

In view of the importance of the Development agenda, a detailed study with the title Sustainable

Development – the way forward beyond 2015 has been published elsewhere in this Annual.

In addition, there are many other areas that action has been initiated. One such area is financing for

Development. Following up on work carried out by conferences held in Monterrey, Mexico in March

2002 and Doha, Qatar in December 2008, the third conference on Financing for Development was

held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 13th to 16thJuly 2015 . A global Framework for Financing for

Development named Addis Ababa Action Agenda was adopted at this conference .The main purpose

was to assist in the implementation of the post 2015 Development Agenda by providing the necessary

financial support. Two other areas of importance are follow up activities relating to Gender Equality and

Climate Change.

Following up on the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action which was developed as a

Comprehensive Road Map for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women adopted at Beijing,

People’s Republic of China in 1995, a Global Leaders meeting on Gender Equality and Women

Empowerment – a Commitment to Action is expected to be held on 27th September 2015 in conjunction

with the UN summit for Adoption of the Post 2015 Development Agenda. All participants are expected

to commit themselves to the accelerated implementation of Beijing Declaration and the platform for

Action and the gender equality goals of the post 2015 Development Agenda.

With regard to climate change, the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations

Framework Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC) will be held in Paris from 30th November to 11th

December 2015(COP21) hosted by the Government of France. The objective of the conference is to

achieve a new international agreement on the climate from all the countries of the world .The COP21

secretariat aims at keeping the global warming below 2.◦C . Climate change is a complex issue.

However the UN was able to establish the UNFCCC in 1992 after years of negotiations

commencing 1979.The Kyoto protocol was established in 1997 in order to legally bind Developed

countries to accepted emission targets . Thereafter annual conferences have been held since 1995

but however the progress has not been satisfactory. It would be marvelous if this difficult target can be

achieved in this anniversary year.

The year 2015 has been declared as the International year of soil and the International year of Light

and Light Based Technology by the UN. Various activities are earmarked by the UN as well as other

International bodies linked to the UN during this year.

DRUG DEPENDENCE

A drug is a substance when taken into the living

organism can modify one or more of its

functions. Drug abuse may be considered as

the use of a drug, usually by self-administration,

in a way different from the approved medical or

social patterns in a given culture.

Non-medical use of drugs can be for

experimentation, recreational use or for their

helpful effects, which are not medically

approved.

The morbidity from drugs can be due to direct

physical or mental pharmacological effects,

consequences of the methods used, and the

effects of dependence and abstinence.

Drug dependence is a state characterized by an

overpowering desire or need (compulsion) to

continue taking the drug and to obtain it by any

means is considered drug addiction. It is

sometimes accompanied by physical

dependence and the resulting state is

detrimental not only to him, but also to the

society.

Addiction is characterized by behavioural and

other responses that always include a

compulsion to take the drug on a continuous or

periodic basis in order to experience its psychic

effects (psychic dependence) and sometimes to

avoid the discomfort of its absence (physical

dependence).

Substances can be taken into the body in

several ways. Oral ingestion (swallowing),

inhalation (breathing in) or smoking, injection

into the veins (shooting up) , and depositing

onto the mucosa (moist skin) of the mouth or

nose (snorting) are the methods used by drug

addicts.

Sportsmen have abused a variety of agents,

such as male hormones and steroids, to

enhance muscle mass or improve athletic

ability. They have also abused amphetamines

to make them feel stronger and to mask pain.

This will enable them to continue to play even

with injuries. Drug use among sportsmen is still

a problem even in Sri Lanka as reported

recently.

There are many addictive or dependence producing drugs. They include,

Alcohol and barbiturate type drugs

Amphetamine, methamphetamine (Ecstasy) and anti-obesity drugs

Cannabis

Cocaine Hallucinogens (LSD, certain mushrooms)

Khat type

Opiates (heroin)

Volatile solvents

Benzodiazepines, methaqualone and similar drugs

Tobacco products People abuse drugs for a number of different reasons. The most common reason is to "get high."

Adolescents can become involved in

experimentation with drugs. Fortunately, only a

small percentage of people who experiment

with drugs become drug abusers. The desire to

“get high” can be for many reasons. Pressures

of coping with school, work, or family tensions

and underlying disease such as depression can

lead to addiction.

Alcohol has been produced by humans over

12000 years! Alcohol causes impaired

judgment, decreased inhibitions, coma and

even death. Effects vary according to body size,

amount consumed, time frame of consumption,

previous use and pre-existing illnesses.

Consumption of alcohol with certain drugs like

barbiturates and diazepam can be fatal.

Alcohol causes physical and psychological

dependence. It affects the liver, heart,

pancreas, stomach and the brain. Chronic

alcoholism can cause loss of appetite, social

problems and sexual impotence. Alcoholics are

more prone to be victims of accidents, suicide

and homicide.

Barbiturates are depressants of the brain. It can

cause relief of tension, mental stress and

anxiety with positive feelings of pleasure,

calmness, and relaxation. Abusers show loss of

motor coordination, decreased self-control,

slurred speech, impaired judgment, confusion

and drowsiness. Overdose can cause coma,

respiratory failure and death.

Amphetamines have medical uses for attention

deficit disorders, narcolepsy and appetite

suppressant (slimming pills), abuse can cause

feeling of well-being, euphoria, increased

alertness and energy, improvement of

performance, loss of appetite, sweating, dilated

pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure

and bizarre, erratic and violent behaviour.

3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine

(MDMA), also known as Ecstasy, increases all

pleasurable sensations. Users have feeling of

emotional closeness, increased physical and

emotional energy, restlessness, anxiety and

hallucinations.

Its serious health effects are increased heart

rate and blood pressure, brain damage and liver

damage. Ecstasy is popular among participants

of discos in night clubs and users have died

suddenly in night clubs.

Cannabis is obtained from the plant of the

genus Cannabis, which has 60

cannabinoids.Cannabis is the only drug that

grows in Sri Lanka. It is grown illicitly, mostly in

the dry zones of the country (in the Eastern and

Southern provinces). The estimated land area

under cannabis cultivation is nearly 500

hectares.

Cannabis without the narcotic content is used in

the manufacture of Ayurveda (indigenous)

medical preparations. The Ayurveda medical

practitioners and the Ayurveda Drugs

Corporation are the largest consumers of it. 205

kg of cannabis were used for Ayurveda

medicinal purposes in 2009. The Ayurveda

Drugs Corporation used cannabis mostly for the

production of drugs such as madana modakaya

and buddharaja kalkaya.

Cannabis causes euphoria, “high” feeling,

pleasurable state of relaxation, enhancement of

sensory experiences, increased appetite,

impaired performance, sleepiness, confusion

and hallucinations.

Cocaine, which is obtained from the plant of

genus Erythroxylon coca, is available as a

paste, or “Crack” – hard white rocks or flaky

material. Cocaine is smoked, sniffed or injected.

It causes euphoria and alertness and postpones

hunger and fatigue. Loss of appetite, violent

behaviour, hallucinations and paranoid

psychosis are the harmful effects of cocaine. It

increases the temperature, heart rate and the

blood pressure.

Cocaine abuse leads to perforated nasal

septum, keratitis of the eyes, dental erosions,

fits, heart muscle disease, coronary artery

disease, liver disease, brain hemorrhages and

sudden cardiac death Hallucinogens such as

LSD, mescaline (peyote cactus), psilocybin, a

mushroom, cause altered state of

consciousness and auditory/visual perceptions

Opiates derived from the plant Papaver

somniferum have many alkaloids including

morphine. Heroin is a substance synthesized

from morphine.

Opium is used in the Ayurveda (indigenous)

medical pharmacopeia and the government

makes it available to Ayurveda Medical

Practitioners through Government Hospitals.

Among the heroin users in Sri Lanka, inhalation

(“chase the dragon”) is the preferred mode of

administration. Diazepam, lactose, sucrose,

acetaminophen and caffeine are the commonly

used adulterants of heroin.

Heroin causes a sense of well-being, euphoria,

contentment, detachment from

emotional/physical distress and pain relief. It

can cause drowsiness, lack of concentration,

respiratory depression and even death.

Addiction to heroin causes serious withdrawal

symptoms when heroin is not present in blood.

Addicts experience anxiety, restlessness,

sweating, yawning, runny nose, watering of the

eyes, diarrhoea, incontinence of urine,

abdominal pains, muscle cramps, hallucinations

and delusions.

In Sri Lanka heroin is mostly inhaled. This is

much less harmful than intravenous injection.

Intravenous drug addicts are more prone to get

infections.

They die prematurely from acute heroin

overdose, inhalation of vomit, acute ulcerative

endocarditis, bronchopneumonia and hepatitis.

They are more likely meet with accidents and

commit suicide.

The impact of drug abuse on the individual, his

family and on the society is very significant. The

family and the community can be the origin of

drug problems, but they can also be a potent

force for treatment. The disrupted family life can

lead to drug problems, while drug problems can

lead to disruption of family life.

Drug abuse is common among poor families,

while a drug abuser in a family makes them

poorer.

Drug abuse impairs family life, results in

unproductive employment and reduces the

quality of life. Impaired performance at work can

lead to poor productivity and reduced income.

Absence from work and intoxication at work can

lead to disciplinary problems, accidents at work

and excess medical claims. It is very

unfortunate that young drug addicts face

premature death.

The cost to the health services and the

economy of the country can be significant.

While illicit cultivation, production, distribution

and possession of drugs are crimes, drug

abusers commit crimes for money and after

influence of drugs. Drug trade is involved with

money laundering. Drug trafficking leads to all

types of crime, violence, gun use and even

terrorism.

Monetary costs from theft and other crimes by

abusers to support their drug habits, and money

spent for law enforcement agencies and the

judiciary can be significant.

Many recommendations are made to prevent

and treat drug abuse. Return to old family

values in the society is one. There should be

adjustment to accept the return of a family

member who was a drug abuser. Families

counselling for change, informing and educating

parents and support and strengthen religious

values are also recommended.

As Kofi Annan, a former UN Secretary-General

said, “Illicit drugs destroy innumerable individual

lives and undermine our societies. Confronting

the illicit trade in drugs and its effects remains a

major challenge for the international

community.”

Professor Ravindra Fernando

Senior Professor of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, and

Acting Director, Centre for the Study of Human Rights, Faculty of Law

University of Colombo

01st Place - Mt/Christ Church College, Matale.

Photo

02nd Place - St. Thomas College, Matale.

BEST UNA STUDY CIRCLES IN 2014 / 2015

1s t

row from left to right

M.A.V. Madushanka Marasinghe (President), P.K.S.P. Gunasekara, W.M.D.T.P. Wanasinghe(Principal), D.R.

Weerakoon (Teacher In Charge), R.M.U.G.A.K. Rathnayake, D.M.W.C.B. Dasanayake (Secretary).

2nd

row from left to right

L.D.I.L. Priyantha, T.R. Udagedara, M.L. Dissanayake, Y.N.B. Weerabahu, P.G.S.C. Ariyaratne, P.S. Dissanayake, P.M.

Rathnayake, Praveen Weerabahu, M. Shafri,M.I.B. Elangasinghe

03rd Place - Halpathota Roman Catholic School, Baddegama.

Photo

04th Place - B/Sri Dewananda Central College, Mirahawatta.

Photo

BEST UNA STUDY CIRCLES IN 2014 / 2015

05th Place - G/ Richmond Collage, Galle.

Photo

01st Place - M. Z. M. Reza

Mt/Christ Church College, Matale.

02nd Place - D. Renuka Weerakoon

St. Thomas College, Matale.

03rd Place - N. G. Sadani

Halpathota Roman Catholic School, Baddegama.

04th Place - W. M. Chithra Kumari

B/Sri Dewananda Central College, Mirahawatta.

05th Place - R. H. Priyadarshani

G/ Richmond Collage, Galle.

BEST UNA STUDY CIRCLES IN 2014 / 2015

Best teachers-in-charge of the winning schools

01st Place - Dunya Jayamani Jayasekara

Vishaka Vidyalaya, Colombo 05.

02nd Place - D. M. Rishmi Tharushika Dissanayaka

Kg/ Swarna Jayanthi Maha Vidyalaya, Kegalle

03rd Place - I. G. K. Dananjana Wijethunga

Mt/Christ Church College, Matale.

04th Place - Ravindu Iddamalgoda

Sri Chandananda Buddhist College, Kandy

05th Place - A. M. Mohan Maduwantha

B/Sri Dewananda Central College, Mirahawatta

01st Place - Hasith Jayanaka Abeygunawardena

G/ Richmond College, Galle

02nd Place - W. G. Vimukthi Rangana Wijewickrama

Kg/ St. Joseph’s Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Kegalle

03rd Place - B. S. Anjana Senadeera

Vishaka Vidyalaya, Colombo 05.

04th Place - Shashin Arunoda Punchihewa

B/Sri Dewananda Central College, Mirahawatta

05th Place - Naveen Sampath Nawarathna

Kg/ Swarna Jayanthi Maha Vidyalaya, Kegalle

WINNERS OF SPEECH CONTEST - 2015

WINNERS OF General Knowledge CONTEST - 2015

01st Place - Tharindi Dilara Pilapitiya

Vishaka Vidyalaya, Colombo 05.

02nd Place - D. B. Amanda Sewmini

Gothami Girl’s College, Kandy

03rd Place - A. D. Kaushalya Thathsarani

B/Sri Dewananda Central College, Mirahawatta

04th Place - R. A. U. Ardithya Ranasinghe

Maliyadewa Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Kurunegala

05th Place - K. D. H. Ashan Devinda De Silva

G/ Richmond College, Galle

United Nations Association of Sri Lanka

Registered Office

National Secretariat, 39/1, Cyril Jansz Mawatha, Panadura Sri Lanka

Tel/Fax: 0094-2232123/0094-2243080/ 0094-2232110

E-Mail: unasl@slt.lk Web: www.unasl.org

WINNERS OF EASSY WRITING CONTEST - 2015