Aug 22, Colombo: While congratulating the Sri Lankan government for its successful cooperation with the humanitarian community to resettle the internally displaced people and provide sustainable solutions to war affected population in the North, the United Nations has emphasized the need to achieve genuine reconciliation in the communities.

Addressing a function to mark the World Humanitarian Day, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sri Lanka Subinay Nandy has emphasized the importance of working together to address the remaining humanitarian needs in order to find durable solution, genuine reconciliation for lasting peace in the country.

The Sri Lankan government together with the United Nations observed the World Humanitarian Day, which falls annually on the 19 of August, at the UN compound in Colombo on Tuesday (21).

Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa presided at the event which has been held under the theme "I Was Here". A special message issued by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon was read on the occasion.

The UN official has also appealed for the continued support from the donor community in providing sustainable solutions to those who affected by the war.

Minister Rajapaksa, on behalf of the government has commended the UN system for providing assistance in resolving the remaining challenges.

He has assured all the humanitarian stakeholders including the international community and INGOs that "the commitment to humanitarian endeavors by the Government of Sri Lanka will continue undiminished".

The Minister also viewed an exhibition of projects proposed by various UN Agencies in Sri Lanka at the event.

The World Humanitarian Day is observed worldwide to recognize the humanitarian workers who face life threatening situations every day in their line of work while helping others.

The day also seeks to remind the global population on the humanitarian needs worldwide and the importance of international cooperation in meeting these needs.