Mr. President,

In an era where humanity is threatened with inter-state conflicts, intra-state frictions, asymmetrical threats posed by non-state actors, natural disasters, health related issues and a variety of other challenges, Sri Lanka appreciates Germany’s efforts to initiate discussion on the timely subject of “Peace Operations and Human Rights”. My delegation wishes Germany every success as President of the Security Council for the month of July and is confident that it will be a productive tenure.

The origins of human innovation have traditionally been sought in the grasslands and coasts of Africa or the temperate environments of Europe. More extreme environments, such as the tropical rainforests of Asia, have been largely overlooked, despite their deep history of human occupation.

Having considered the spread of Covid-19 in the country, the validity period of all types of visa issued to all foreigners who are currently residing in Sri Lanka had been extended until 11th June 2020. Foreigners had been advised to pay the relevant visa fee and get the visas endorsed in the passport on or before 11th June 2020 after the submission of the application online.

It has been the practice of the Buddhists in our country, since ancient times to remember, with utmost devotion, the arrival of Arahat Mahinda Thero in the lsland carrying the message of the Buddha, by observance of religious rituals. Such devoted remembrance is due to the fact that the arrival of Arahat Mahinda resulted in a significant transformation of religious, cultural, social and political civilization of Sri Lanka.