Ambassador Ashley Wills praising the Sri Lankan political and social sensibilities says that the Sri Lankans are a uniquely
proud people who have upheld healthy democratic traditions amidst myriad political and social challenges

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Subasinghe, says Sri Lanka’s peace process will sustain itself
and will be strengthened by the involvement of its key stakeholders

The Young Professionals for International Cooperation (YPIC) - Asian Affairs Committee of the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) organized a Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebration entitled, “Paththandu-Avurudu” on April 22, 2004 at the Meridian International in Washington DC. The event was attended by a diverse group of young professionals and Sri Lanka enthusiasts from the expatriate community as well as, from the local community. Representatives from various academic institutions, UN agencies, the Department of State and Non-Governmental Organisations also participated. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Devinda R. Subasinghe was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Ambassador Ashley Wills, former US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Assistant United States Trade Representative was the Guest of Honour. “Paththandu-Avurudu” was an evening of dialogue and discussion on facets of Sri Lanka’s art, culture and politics. The evening also featured an excellent cultural program and showcased the best of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.

Considered one of the most dynamic internationally focused groups in Washington DC, the Young Professionals for International Cooperation- Asian Affairs Committee of the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area is a part of the largest grassroots foreign policy organization in the United States. UNA-NCA’s concerns and projects are significantly in the areas of peace and security, conflict resolution, nuclear non-proliferation, global health, sustainable development and, human rights. The programs of the YPIC seek to engage professionals and students in dialogue on the UN and international affairs thereby fostering mentorship, and promoting career development for the leaders of tomorrow.

Speaking on this occasion, Ambassador Ashley Wills provided creative insights into the politics of South Asia and the myriad forces that inform South Asian political and social action. Ambassador Wills praising the Sri Lankan political and social sensibilities said, “the Sri Lankans are a uniquely proud people who have upheld and nurtured a healthy democratic tradition amidst numerous political and social challenges. The texture of democratic governance in the island nation is being strengthened and renewed at every new crossroads.” Ambassador Wills informed the audience that there was a new determination among the people and the Government to find a lasting resolution to the twenty year old conflict. Complimenting Ambassador Subasinghe for gaining a focus for Sri Lanka in the US Administration and other Governmental and private sector agencies, Ambassador Wills mentioned that the US will continue to support Sri Lanka in its development and peace efforts.

Ambassador Subasinghe gave a substantive exposition on the UN -Sri Lanka relations, the US-Sri Lanka bilateral experience, and the internal and external political dynamics that shaped the country’s foreign policy since Independence. According to Ambassador Subasinghe, one of the enduring motifs in the country’s foreign policy is the policy of neutrality which was exemplified by Sri Lanka’s active involvement in the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement in the early 1960s. During this period, the country’s role in the United Nations Organization was guided by the principle of “non-alignment.” Sri Lanka became a member of the United Nations in 1955 and the country shares the organization’s universal values of human rights and democracy. The most active UN agencies in Sri Lanka are the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In the Post-Cold War period, successive Governments have integrated Sri Lanka more with the international community and with the process of globalization consistent with the country’s democratic traditions and its economic policies.

Speaking on the Sri Lanka peace process and current ceasefire in place, Ambassador Subasinghe said, “the peace process will sustain itself and will be strengthened by the involvement of the key stakeholders.” In conclusion, the Ambassador hoped that the spirit of harmony and amity that the Sinhala and the Tamil New Year imparts would translate itself into greater cooperation among the different communities living in Sri Lanka.

22 April 2004

• Click here for the program
  
  
• Remarks of H.E. Devinda R. Subasinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to The United States of America,
  to The United Nations Association of The National Capital Area

Picture galleries

• The United Nations Association of the National Capital Area (UNANCA)
  
• International Club of DC