RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — The United Nations Association of Sri Lanka (UNASL) recently held the national observance of the 81st United Nations Day at the Sri Lanka Medical Association Auditorium, marked by the hoisting of the National Flag and the United Nations Flag.
Former Ambassador H.M.G.S. Palihakkara was the Chief Guest, while Public Health Specialist Dr. Lahiru Kodithuwakku was the Guest of Honour. Lisadi Ayansa Jayasinghe, a student of Sanghamiththa Balika Vidyalaya, Galle, and winner of the ‘Best Speaker’ award, delivered the keynote address.
Mohamed Zawahir, President of the UNASL, delivered the welcome address.
The UNASL is the sole national affiliate of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA), an organisation established in 1946 to support the work and objectives of the United Nations.
The activities of the UNASL focus on taking the message and ideals of the United Nations to grassroots communities across Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations and the United Nations Information Centre.
The Association currently has 334 schools registered under its islandwide UNASL Study Circles Programme, introduced in 1981 and approved by the Ministry of Education.
The Sri Lanka Police Dance Troupe added colour to the event with a series of performances.
Several outstanding achievements were recognised at the ceremony. G.H. Nuwan Chathuranga of Mahinda College, Galle, received the ‘Best Teacher-in-Charge’ award, while Mahinda College, Galle, was named the ‘Best Study Circle School 2026’.
Dehan Hasarel Hewaga of Mahinda College, Galle, won the General Knowledge Competition. In the Speech Contest, Lisadi Ayansa Jayasinghe of Sanghamiththa Balika Vidyalaya, Galle, won the award for Best Speaker in English, while Minuli Nulari Kulathunga of Viharamahadevi Girls’ College, Kandy, won the Sinhala category. Dulen Hasmira Jayawardhana of Mahinda College, Galle, was the winner of the Essay Contest. The award winners received their awards from Chief Guest H.M.G.S. Palihakkara. UNASL Secretary-General Dr. M.M.M. Rushanudeen proposed the vote of thanks.
Among those present were Andrew Patrick, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka; Executive Chairman Dharmadasa Vitharanage; diplomats; principals; teachers and students representing UN Study Circles; members of the United Nations Association; and other invitees.
