Dec 14, Colombo: President Mahinda Rajapaksa says he will fully dedicate himself towards building a new Sri Lanka based on his election manifesto, 'Mahinda Chinthana'.

“I seek the assistance and active participation of Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara and all the Members of Parliament to turn this objective into a reality,” he said at the commemorative event held at the BMICH in Colombo yesterday to mark 50 years of Sri Lanka’s membership in the United Nations.

“The prime objective of the United Nations should be to create a new world for the children living in this globe. This is because children belong to this universe. In order to create a better future for Sri Lankan children, steps should be taken to set up UN Societies in schools and Dhamma schools by further spreading the objectives of the UN principles,” President Rajapaksa said.

“We live in a world of Nation States. But beyond the concept of Nation State lie the common interests of humankind; the desire for a just and secure world order in which all people in all countries can live in peace, comfort and dignity.

“For our part we are proud to say that in the course of our membership of the UN which spans over 50 years, Sri Lanka has consistently assisted in the achievement of the noble ideas of the UN,” Mr. Rajapaksa said. “Sri Lanka has contributed to consensus building in the UN in a number of landmark international issues which includes the Law of the Sea, the fight against terrorism and the promotion of human rights.

“As a country we are firmly committed to the principles and purposes of the UN and further strengthen the UN as a dynamic organisation that will ensure global peace and economic advancement for all.

“In the recent times, the UN has helped us enormously in providing humanitarian assistance for the relief and rehabilitation of those affected by the conflict on the one side, and those affected by the tsunami on the other,” he said.