President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2025, declared that during the most recent election, the people of Sri Lanka voted in favor of a “centuries old dream,” leading to the establishment of a legislature that reflects the “ethnic and religious diversity” of the nation.
Highlighting the inclusion of women and other marginalized communities in Parliament, President Dissanayake said, “We believe that the duty of legislatures is to develop the country and the people, not to develop themselves, and we have established that idea.”
He described the election outcome as a choice of “light over darkness” and affirmed that the government is committed to building a thriving nation through non-corrupt governance, poverty eradication, digitalization, and strong investments in education and health.
“Digital Democracy is one of our aims,” he said, stressing the importance of ensuring equitable access to digital opportunities.
“If we succeed in our task, we will be able to open doors to technology, accelerate development and to strengthen governance. If we fail, technology will turn into one more force, worsening inequality, insecurity, and injustice,” he cautioned.
Pointing to the widening global digital divide, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), he underscored the challenges faced by developing nations like Sri Lanka due to inadequate infrastructure. He proposed the creation of a “neutral sovereign artificial intelligence zone” to ensure inclusive access and responsible development of AI.
The President also called on the international community to help build a world that upholds human dignity, echoing former U.S. President Harry Truman’s words at the founding of the UN: “in your hands rests our future. We must not act in fear or under compulsion but with hope for a better and more secure world.”
He reaffirmed his vision stating “Today, we must commit ourselves not to lead the world to another disaster, but to make it a better place for the next generation. I have dreams and expectations for my country. Similarly, you have dreams and expectations for your countries. My dream is to ensure that my people are rich and they have happiness…”
Calling education the foundation of every great nation, he added, “We firmly believe that investment in education is an investment in global progress.” He also addressed the global drug crisis, urging all countries to strengthen cooperation against drugs and crime.
On global conflicts, President Dissanayake emphasized Sri Lanka’s experience as a nation that endured a three-decade civil war, stressing the futility of armed conflict. He expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating, “Gaza has been turned into an open prison full of pain and suffering, echoing with the cries of children and the innocent civilians.”
He urged the United Nations and international partners to work toward an immediate ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian aid, and ensure the release of hostages.
Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s support for a two-state solution, he said, “We recognize the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to their own state. We also believe that legal, security and humanitarian concerns of Israel and Palestinian people need to be acknowledged.”
He urged the swift implementation of UN resolutions on a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, stressing that the global community must act decisively to end the suffering of millions rather than remain “mere spectators.”
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