In the face of the current global pandemic, the restrictions imposed on the imagination of the entire generation of children and their world are many. The school classroom and the playground are still at a distance from our children. It has become a priority of the government to revive all those lost aspirations of the nation’s children in a secure manner. All our plans are being implemented to bring the children’s world closer to them expeditiously.
It is not only the parents and guardians who feel satisfied when their children excel in the society. That happiness is experienced by the entire human society. There are plenty of such experiences in the world, and they will continue in the future as well. Therefore, as adults, we must provide the necessary environment to empower the child with knowledge, attitudes and skills in order to endow the country with a generation of virtuous children.
The theme of this year’s World Children’s Day is “Children before Everything”, which is the eternal thought of parents. As a progressive government, I would like to recall that providing the requisite services, facilities as well as creating opportunities for your child within a secure environment, is becoming a reality as pledged in the National Policy Framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’.
The responsibility placed on adults regarding the children, in this process of socialization, cannot be underestimated. Therefore, I urge you to let the children enjoy their childhood at liberty, as, childhood is irreversible.
Though our children do not have the opportunity to celebrate the World Children’s Day this year too due to the prevailing pandemic situation, I extend my blessing for all children to celebrate the Children’s Day joyfully while at home, and also wish them a prosperous future.
Gotabaya Rajapaksa
September 30, 2021
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa attended the special commemorative event organized in front of the Manhattan Memorial in the United States to mark the 20th anniversary of terrorist attacks in Washington and New York.
The terrorist attacks took place on September 11, 2001, targeting the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon, the headquarters of the United States Department of Defence.
Coinciding with the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and the 9/11 Memorial Museum jointly organized the event.
Other Heads of State and government representatives, who were in New York to attend the UN General Assembly, were also present at the event to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in attacks.
– Pediatricians request.
- Priority given for children between ages 12-19 suffering from chronic illnesses…
- Vaccination will begin at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital from tomorrow (24)…
- Every child will be vaccinated under the supervision of pediatrician…
- Vaccination only in hospitals…
- Disseminate only verified information about vaccination drive…
If you have any issues contact experts…
– A special request to the media.
Specialist doctors urge the parents and adults not to be deceived by myths and superstitions and get the children vaccinated.
The vaccination programme is carried out with the recommendations of the expert committees of the world and our country, the specialists pointed out and said that successful results can be achieved through precise understanding and interest without undue fear.
The virtual media briefing organized by the Presidential Media Centre was held today (23) and it was attended by a medical team including pediatricians. “Vaccination of children” was the theme of today’s discussion.
Vaccination of children with congenital diseases will begin tomorrow (24) at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo, said Pediatrician Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya. Accordingly, he advised parents to take the children for the vaccination who are suffering from chronic diseases including diabetes, neurological diseases, kidney disease, heart disease, thalassemia and diseases of the urinary tract and esophagus. Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya said that they are planning to administer the vaccine with the permission of the parents as well as with the recommendation of the relevant specialist doctor when they visit the clinics where they are being treated.
Pediatricians stated that all plans required for the vaccination of children in all provincial, district and base hospitals in the coming days have been prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the specialists.
It has been decided to vaccinate the children under three age groups. Accordingly, the initial vaccination is given to children with congenital diseases who are between the ages of 12-19 years. The doctors said that the vaccination of the healthy children in the age group of 15-19 years will begin in the future and that the vaccines to the children in the age group of 12-15 years will be given as soon as the recommendations of the specialists are received.
Specialist Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya said that even after the vaccination, a team of doctors would monitor the children’s complications under the supervision of specialists and would introduce a direct telephone number to obtain instructions in case of any complications at home.
It was revealed that the experts committee has given the approval to administer the vaccine only in hospitals, and to administer only the Pfizer vaccine to the children.
The Chairman of the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, expressed disappointment over the statements made by some personnel who are not experts in the field of vaccination through the media. He requested all media institutions and journalists to publish/broadcast news with regard to the vaccination of children only after confirming information from pediatric specialists, related agencies and the specialists in providing special services.
Specialist Dr. Gunasena pointed out that the spread of myths faster than the virus is a serious matter and said that the doctors as well as the media should act responsibly since vaccinating children is a sensitive issue in our society.
Pediatric Specialist Professor Pujitha Wickramasinghe pointed out that online education is a serious obstacle to the development of a child’s external skills. He said parents fear sending their children with congenital diseases to school even if the schools start, and added that vaccination could help prevent children from losing equal opportunity to education.
When journalists asked if there were any examples of vaccinating children in other countries, the experts said that countries such as the United States, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom have already vaccinated children in these age groups.
Dr. Sampath Indika Kumara, Director of Health Services of the North Western Province, requested the parents to get the children vaccinated without any fear or suspicion as Sri Lanka has a special experience in vaccination with the advanced healthcare system in South Asia.
Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC donates Rs. 10 million to the ‘ITUKAMA’ COVID-19 Healthcare and Social Security Fund.
Company’s Group Chief Executive Officer Mr. Deepthi Lokuarachchi handed over the cheque to Additional Secretary to the President and Chief of Staff Retired Major General K.B. Egodawele on the 21st.
Local and foreign donors have made their contributions to the Fund. Deposits can be made through cheques, telegraphic transfers, via www.itukama.lk or by dialing #207#. Further information can be obtained through the following phone numbers; 076 – 0700700 / 011 – 2320880/ 011 – 2354340/ 011 – 2424012.
A meeting between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the President of the Republic of Latvia, Egils Levits, took place yesterday (21) afternoon.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly. The two leaders were of the view that strong steps should be taken to further the 25-year long diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The two leaders discussed the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy and society, and exchanged views on the measures to be taken for the betterment of the tourism industry in the two countries as the pandemic subsides.
The two leaders also focused on enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of education and digital technology.
The two leaders discussed the topic of a change in the composition of the UN Security Council and the need for greater representation in UNSC for the Asian, Southern African, the Middle East and South American regions.
Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Foreign Secretary Admiral Jayanath Colombage and Mohan Peiris, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, were also present.
Sri Lanka proposed to establish a Regional Knowledge Hub in Colombo in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), to facilitate exchange of lessons learnt from COVID 19 and support countries to build back better.
Speaking at the 76th Session of United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said although still a developing nation, Sri Lanka has been very successful in its vaccination programme.
“We have already fully vaccinated nearly all those above the age of 30. Everyone over the age of 20 will be fully vaccinated by the end of October. We will start vaccinating children over 15 years of age in the near future. The rapid progress of vaccinations was enabled by coordinated efforts between healthcare workers, Armed Forces and Police personnel, Government servants, and elected officials,” he said.
Sri Lanka also benefitted greatly from financial and material support provided by bilateral and multilateral donors to manage the pandemic, he said and thanked those nations and institutions for their generosity. He added that the increased global cooperation visible during this ongoing crisis is greatly encouraging.
The President stressed that economic impact of the pandemic has been especially severe on developing countries. This has placed the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals at considerable risk. “It is vital that more initiatives including development financing and debt relief be adopted through international mechanisms to support developing nations and help them emerge from this uncertain situation.”
As devastating as the consequences of the pandemic have been to humanity, the world faces the even greater challenge of climate change in the decades to come, President Rajapaksa said. As a climate-vulnerable country, Sri Lanka is deeply aware of the dangers of climate change.
The President said Sri Lanka’s philosophical heritage, deeply rooted in the Buddha’s teachings, also emphasises the vitality of preserving environmental integrity.
Speech of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at 76th UN General Assembly – New York, September 22, 2021
Mr. President,
Secretary General,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Ayubowan.
I am honoured to represent Sri Lanka at this august gathering today.
Let me first congratulate His Excellency Abdulla Shahid on being elected President of the 76th session of the General Assembly.
Mr. President, you have long been a friend of Sri Lanka. We look forward to working closely with you in the year ahead.
I also take this opportunity to convey our appreciation of His Excellency Volkan Bozkir’s stewardship of the previous session of the General Assembly, and to commend Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his leadership in these difficult times.
Mr. President, The COVID19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on humanity.
I sympathise deeply with all who have lost their loved ones during the pandemic.
I thank frontline healthcare and essential workers around the world for their dedication and commend the World Health Organisation for its crisis response. I also greatly appreciate the rapid advances made by the scientific and medical communities in devising vaccines and treatment protocols to combat the virus.
At the same time, we must recognise that the challenges surrounding production, distribution, deployment and acceptance of vaccines must be overcome urgently if the spread of dangerous new virus strains is to be prevented. Ensuring that everyone, everywhere, is vaccinated is the best way out of the pandemic.
Although still a developing nation, Sri Lanka has been very successful in its vaccination programme.
We have already fully vaccinated nearly all those above the age of 30. Everyone over the age of 20 will be fully vaccinated by the end of October. We will start vaccinating children over 15 years of age in the near future.
The rapid progress of vaccinations was enabled by coordinated efforts between healthcare workers, Armed Forces and Police personnel, Government servants, and elected officials.
In collaboration with the WHO, Sri Lanka is establishing a Regional Knowledge Hub to facilitate exchange of lessons learnt from COVID 19 and support countries to recover back better.
Sri Lanka also benefitted greatly from financial and material support provided by bilateral and multilateral donors to manage the pandemic. I thank these nations and institutions for their generosity. The increased global cooperation visible during this ongoing crisis is greatly encouraging. However, there is still more to be done.
Mr. President, The economic impact of the pandemic has been especially severe on developing countries. This has placed the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals at considerable risk.
It is vital that more initiatives including development financing and debt relief be adopted through international mechanisms to support developing nations and help them emerge from this uncertain situation.
Sri Lanka too has suffered greatly due to the pandemic. In addition to the tragic loss of life, our economy has been deeply affected. The lockdowns, together with general movement restrictions, reduced international travel, and slower global growth have affected nearly all sectors of our economy. Tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s highest foreign exchange earners and a sector that supports nearly 14% of the population, has been devastated.
This industry, together with small and medium businesses in many other sectors, received Government support through interest moratoriums and other financial sector interventions.
Daily wage earners and low-income groups were also supported through grants of cash and dry rations during lockdowns, adding significantly to state expenditure.
In addition to their immediate impact, these economic repercussions of the pandemic have limited the fiscal space available to implement our development programmes.
Mr. President, As devastating as the consequences of the pandemic have been to humanity, the world faces the even greater challenge of climate change in the decades to come.
As emphasised in the recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the unprecedented effect of human activity on the health of the planet is deeply worrying.
Addressing the grave threats posed by climate change and the loss of biodiversity requires decisive and urgent multilateral action.
As a climate-vulnerable country, Sri Lanka is deeply aware of the dangers of climate change.
Sri Lanka’s philosophical heritage, deeply rooted in Lord Buddha’s teachings, also emphasises the vitality of preserving environmental integrity.
It is in these contexts that Sri Lanka is a Commonwealth Blue Charter Champion and leads the Action Group on Mangrove Restoration.
Through the adoption of the Colombo Declaration on Sustainable Nitrogen Management, which seeks to halve nitrogen waste by 2030, Sri Lanka has also contributed to global efforts to reduce environmental pollution.
Having participated virtually in the Pre-Summit held in April, I trust that the United Nations Food Summit later this month will result in actionable outcomes to promote healthier, more sustainable, and equitable food systems globally.
Such outcomes will be crucial to human health as well as to the health of our planet.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s national policy framework.
Because of its impact on soil fertility, biodiversity, waterways and health, my Government completely banned the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and weedicides earlier this year.
Production and adoption of organic fertiliser, as well as investments into organic agriculture, are being incentivised.
I appreciate the encouragement received from many global institutions and nations for our efforts to create a more sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka.
The conservation of our environment is one of our key national priorities.
We aim to increase forest cover significantly in the coming decades.
We are also working to clean and restore over 100 rivers countrywide, and to combat river and maritime pollution.
We have also banned single use plastics to support ecological conservation.
Sri Lanka recognises the urgent need to reduce use of fossil fuels and support decarbonisation.
Our energy policy seeks to increase the contribution of renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydropower to 70% of our national energy needs by 2030.
Mr. President, Sri Lanka welcomes the support of the international community as it engages in the task of reviving its economy and carrying out its national development programme.
We intend to make full use of geostrategic location and our robust institutions, strong social infrastructure, and skilled workforce, to attract investment and broaden trade relationships.
My Government is focusing on extensive legal, regulatory, administrative and educational reforms to facilitate this, and to deliver prosperity to all our people.
Sri Lanka has enjoyed universal adult franchise since pre-Independence.
The democratic tradition is an integral part of our way of life.
My election in 2019 and the Parliamentary election in 2020 saw Sri Lankan voters grant an emphatic mandate to my Government to build a prosperous and stable country, and uphold national security and sovereignty.
In 2019, Sri Lanka experienced the devastation wrought by extremist religious terrorists in the Easter Sunday attacks.
Before that, until 2009, it had suffered from a separatist terrorist war for 30 years.
Terrorism is a global challenge that requires international cooperation, especially on matters such as intelligence sharing, if it is to be overcome.
Violence robbed Sri Lanka of thousands of lives and decades of prosperity in the past half century. My Government is committed to ensuring that such violence never takes place in Sri Lanka again. We are therefore acting to address the core issues behind it.
Fostering greater accountability, restorative justice, and meaningful reconciliation through domestic institutions is essential to achieve lasting peace.
So too is ensuring more equitable participation in the fruits of economic development.
It is my Government’s firm intention to build a prosperous, stable and secure future for all Sri Lankans, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender.
We are ready to engage with all domestic stakeholders, and to obtain the support of our international partners and the United Nations, in this process.
However, history has shown that lasting results can only be achieved through home-grown institutions reflecting the aspirations of the people.
Sri Lanka’s Parliament, Judiciary and its range of independent statutory bodies should have unrestricted scope to exercise their functions and responsibilities.
Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates.
If, in keeping with the theme of our General Debate today, we are to truly build resilience through hope, we must all strive towards the common good.
It is the role of the United Nations to facilitate this by treating all sovereign states, irrespective of size or strength, equitably, and with due respect for their institutions and their heritage.
I request the United Nations and the international community to ensure the protection of the Buddhist heritage of Afghanistan.
I call on the member states of this august Assembly to work together in a spirit of true cooperation, generosity, goodwill, and mutual respect to foster a better and more sustainable future for all humanity.
Thank you.
- President invites Kuwaiti investors for new investments in Port City, solar energy and oil refining sectors….
A meeting between President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Prime Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, was held in Manhattan, New York on the 19th.
Recalling the close and friendly diplomatic relations between the two countries spanning for fifty years, the two leaders noted that these relations should be further strengthened.
The President pointed out that a large number of Sri Lankans are employed in Kuwait and made a request for more employment opportunities for skilled workers.
The President explained the covid-19 pandemic control measures and the vaccination programme being carried out in the country, and pointed out the possibility of strengthening bilateral relations with the end of the pandemic and the opening up of the world.
The President also drew the attention of the Kuwaiti Prime Minister to the investment opportunities available to Kuwait in the Colombo Port City, in solar and wind energy and oil refining sectors.
The two Heads of State also discussed the areas of food security, education, information technology and cyber security.
Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage were also present.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres assures
- President invites Tamil Diaspora to join in a dialogue to resolve issues through an internal mechanism
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has told President Gotabaya Rajapaksa that the UN will provide its full support to Sri Lanka in moving forward to promote unity among different communities.
The UN Secretary-General made these remarks during the meeting he held with the President at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, yesterday (19).
Mr. Guterres, warmly welcomed President Rajapaksa when he arrived at the United Nations Headquarters, reminisced about his visits to Sri Lanka in 1978 representing the Inter-Parliamentary Union and his visits to Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Trincomalee.
Mr. Guterres also recalled his dealings with Sri Lanka during his tenure as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and his meeting with then President Mahinda Rajapaksa in 2006. The Secretary-General noted that Sri Lanka, as a country which plays a more active role in social and economic spheres in the Indian Ocean region, the UN is expected that Sri Lanka would continue to do so in the future too, despite the crisis that has plagued it for nearly 30 years.
President Rajapaksa said that he was pleased to have the opportunity to hold a bilateral discussion with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and congratulated him on leading the United Nations during a difficult period facing the world as well as on his re-election as the Secretary-General.
President Rajapaksa briefed the UN Secretary- General on the challenges facing a country like Sri Lanka with a small economy in the face of the COVID epidemic. President Rajapaksa spoke at length on the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on education and the economy of Sri Lanka and thanked the World Health Organization for its support to overcome the pandemic.
The President pointed out that more than half of the total population has been fully vaccinated and that all arrangements have been made to fully vaccinate all those over the age of 15 before the end of November, by showing the statistics. The Secretary – General commended the progress made by Sri Lanka in the vaccination drive.
The President pointed out that the Covid-19 pandemic was a major obstacle to fulfilling the pledges made to the people when he became the President in 2019. Even amidst this situation, the President elaborated on the steps taken to address the issues arose in the aftermath of defeating terrorism that lasted for over 30 years.
The President explained the compensation paid to the victims, the transfer of lands back to the owners and the massive development carried out in the North and East Provinces since 2009 under the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the opportunity given to democratically elect the representatives to the Northern Provincial Council.
The President informed the Secretary-General that the government would take immediate action with regard to missing persons and expedite the efforts such as issuance of death certificates.
The President pointed out that many youths who were arrested as suspects over terrorist activities were released after he came to power. The President informed the Secretary-General that legal action would be expedited with regard to rest of the personnel who could not be released, and that he would not hesitate to grant a presidential pardon to the Tamil youths who have been in custody for a long time, taking into account their long-term detention and after the legal process was completed.
The President stated that his objective is to strengthen the democracy in Sri Lanka and accordingly, there are no baton attacks or use of water cannons on protestorss under his government, and that a separate area has been set aside for protesters near his office. President Rajapaksa also explained the engagement with civil society organizations to bring about development and reconciliation in the country.
The President said that the internal issues of Sri Lanka should be resolved through an internal mechanism of the country and said the Tamil Diaspora would be invited for discussions in this regard.
President Rajapaksa said that he was always ready to work closely with the United Nations and added that though he could assure that there is no room for separatism to re-emerge in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka as a government as well as other states should be vigilant about religious extremism.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived in New York to attend the 76th United Nations’ General Assembly (UNGA) Session.
The delegation headed by the President arrived at the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York at 2.30 p.m., New York time, on September 18. The President and the delegation were warmly welcomed by Mr. Mohan Peiris, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations.
The 76th Session of the UNGA begins on Tuesday, 21 September under the theme “Building resilience through hope – to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalize the United Nations.” The Foreign Ministerial level summit of the General Assembly will begin tomorrow morning, and Heads of State from a number of countries are already in New York to attend the summit.
President Rajapaksa is expected to address the General Assembly on the 22nd and the President is expected to address the Food Systems Summit on the 23rd and the High-level Dialogue on Energy on the 24th. He is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with several heads of state during the session.
Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage are accompanying the President on this visit.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa left the country early this morning (18) to attend the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
This is the President’s first foreign conference to take part outside of the country and also the first address to the United Nations General Assembly.
The theme of the General Assembly which will commence under the aegis of US President Joe Biden on 21st Tuesday is “Building resilience through hope – to recover from COVID-19, rebuild sustainably, respond to the needs of the planet, respect the rights of people, and revitalize the United Nations.”
President Rajapaksa is expected to address the General Assembly on the 22nd and he is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with several heads of state during the session.
Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, Principal Advisor to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage are accompanying the President on this visit.