COLOMBO -The United Nations Association of Sri Lanka (UNASL) conducted the National Observance of the 80th United Nations Day on Saturday October 25 with the hoisting of the National Flag and United Nations Flag at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute Auditorium.
Welcome address was delivered by President of the UNASL Mohamed Zawahir.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Dr. Rizvie Salih was present as chief guest and Minuri Bandara, Visaka Vidyalaya Best Speaker award winner of the speech contest was present as keynote speaker.
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 334 schools registered under an Islandwide UNASL Study Circles programme introduced in 1981 and is approved by the Education Ministry.
Students of OKI International and Visaka Vidyalaya along with Sri Lanka Police Dance Troupe presented performances at this event.
Awardees included Mrs. K.H.A. Peshala from Southlands College, Galle Study Circle Best Teacher in Charge, Best Study Circle awards received Southlands College, Galle, General Knowledge Competition first place Manugi Sadewana Nawarathna from Girls High School, Mount Lavinia, Speech Contest Best Speaker award received Minuri Bandara from Visaka Vidyalaya, Colombo and Essay Contest first place Maneesha Sithmini Bandara from Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya, Kurunegala received awards from chief guest Deputy Speaker of Parliament Dr. Rizvi Salih
Secretary General UNASL Vice Chairman Dr. Sarath Samarage proposed the vote of thanks. Executive Chairman Dharmadasa Vitharanage, Vice Chairman Ravi Nagaraja, Diplomats , Principals, Teachers and Students of UN Study Circle and members of UNA and invitees were present
