NEW DELHI : At the invitation of the United Nations in India, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India Mahishini Colonne participated in the UN Day Public Dialogue 2026, held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on 28 October 2026, as part of the celebrations marking the 81st anniversary of the United Nations.
Organised by the United Nations in India in partnership with the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), the dialogue brought together UN Resident Coordinator in India Stefan Priesner; Member of Parliament and former UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information Dr. Shashi Tharoor; Ambassador of Norway to India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives May-Elin Stener; and High Commissioner Colonne. The dialogue also featured presentations by three young changemakers showcasing their initiatives and partnerships with the United Nations.
The discussion examined the relevance and effectiveness of the United Nations in a rapidly changing world and the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing interconnected global challenges.
During the dialogue, High Commissioner Colonne emphasised that multilateralism is particularly important for countries such as Sri Lanka, as it enables smaller states to participate in international decision-making, contribute to addressing global challenges and bring their particular concerns and perspectives to the international agenda. She highlighted the importance of a rules-based international order in providing predictability and stability.
As an island nation in the Indian Ocean that depends on maritime connectivity for its trade and economic well-being, Sri Lanka has a direct interest in the safety and security of sea lanes, freedom of navigation and respect for international maritime law. The High Commissioner underscored that open and secure sea lanes are essential not only to international trade but also to the livelihoods and economic prosperity of countries dependent on the oceans.
She also highlighted Sri Lanka’s contributions to the multilateral system, including through the work of its diplomats in advancing international law, particularly the law of the sea, and promoting international cooperation. She emphasised that smaller states can contribute meaningfully to shaping international rules and addressing shared challenges.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s experience during the 2022 economic crisis, High Commissioner Colonne highlighted the importance of timely international support and cooperation in helping countries navigate difficult circumstances and advance their recovery.
The dialogue provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the continuing importance of multilateralism and the need for effective international cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.
