RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO – The United Nations Association of Sri Lanka (UNASL) observed the 78th United Nations Day on Sunday October 22nd with the hoisting of the National Flag and United Nations Flag, at the Sri Lanka Medical Association Auditorium, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo.
It was held under the patronage of President of the UNASL M.M. Zawahir.
This year, the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), along was focused on the theme “Equality, Freedom and Justice for All”.
Former Sri Lankan Ambassador of Kuwait and Past President of the UNA S.A.C.M. Zuhyle was present as chief guest while the former Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UN in Vienna Dr. Dayantha Laksiri Mendis was present as guest-of-honour.
The United Nations Flag was hoisted by the President of the UNASL M. M. Zawahir while chief guest S.A.C.M. Zuhyle hoisted the country’s National Flag.
Keynote Address was delivered by the winner of the all- island best speakers contest Galle Mahinda College student Senuth Wanniarachchi.
Chief Guest Former Ambassador of the Kuwait S.A.C.M. Zuhyle, guest of honour UN Resident Representative in Vienna Dr. Dayantha Laksiri Mendis and Special Guest of Honour Dr. Noel Somasundram (Endocrinologist) addressed the gathering.
The Association is the sole National Affiliate of the World Federation of the United Nations Association (WFUNA), which was founded in 1946 by Special Resolution 137 (1) of November 17, 1947, adopted at the United Nations General Assembly.
The activities of the UNASL involve taking the message of the United Nations to the grassroots of the Sri Lankan population, with the cooperation of the Foreign Ministry, the United Nations as well as the United Nations Information Centre.
The UNASL currently has over 2000 members as well as 327 schools registered under an Islandwide UNASL Study Circles programme introduced in 1981 and is approved by the Education Ministry and Sri Lanka Police Cultural Troupe presented cultural Items at this ceremony.
Also presented awards to UN study circle students who took part the various contests.
UNA – Sri Lanka Executive Chairman Dr. M.M.M. Rushanudeen, Secretary General Errol G. Smith, Treasurer Kumudu Weerasinghe, Editor and Asst. Treasurer Dharmadasa Vitharana, Teachers and Students of UN Study Circle and several other exco members and invitees were present
