Speeches

United Nations General Assembly New York, New York, USA SEPTEMBER 21, 2004 Mr. President, I congratulate you on your assumption of the high office of President of the Fifty-Ninth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations and assure...

The Asia Society New York, New York, USA SEPTEMBER 20, 2004 Madam President,Distinguished Guests,Ladies & Gentlemen, My present responsibilities permit me little time for such pleasurable activities as being amongst thinkers and intellectuals like you and the members of the...

The 21st Anniversary of Black July Colombo, Sri Lanka JUNE 23, 2004 I would like to first welcome all of you here today on this occasion when we commemorate one of the most shameful crimes ever perpetrated on this nation....

National Hero's Commemoration Day Mailapitiya, Kandy, Sri Lanka JUNE 7, 2004 Venerable Members of the Maha SanghaMembers of the clergyHon. Prime MinisterHon. Ministers, Hon. GovernorsCommanders of the Army, Navy and Air ForceThe Inspector General of PoliceMembers of Parliament, Honoured GuestsMy...

56th Anniversary of Independence Colombo, Sri Lanka FEBRUARY 4, 2004 Ven. Maha Sangha,Members of the Clergy,Your Excellencies,Hon. Prime Minister / Hon. Members of Parliament,Distinguished Invitees,Fellow citizens, We are here today to celebrate the 56th Anniversary of our beloved Motherland gaining...

Address to the Nation Colombo, Sri Lanka OCTOBER 24, 2002 I address you today at a moment when our country faces many challenges. On one hand we hear bells ringing out for Peace. We have reason once again to hope...

Inauguration of the National Consultation on Ethnic Reconciliation Colombo, Sri Lanka JULY 26, 2002 Your Excellencies,Honourable Governors,Chief Ministers,Members of Parliament,Secretary to the President ,Government officials,Leaders of Political Parties,Ladies and Gentlemen,Friends. At the outset I would like to thank all of...

Madharvrao Scindia Memorial Lecture New Delhi, India APRIL 24, 2002 I am deeply honoured to have been invited to deliver the first Madhavrao Scindia Memorial Lecture. This lecture is my tribute to a man whose values I share, whose vision...

Address to the Oxford Union Oxford, England NOVEMBER 21, 2001 Mr. President, Members of the Union, Thank you for inviting me here tonight. It is a great honour for me. I have come to Britain to have discussions with your...

Independence Day Celebrations Colombo, Sri Lanka FEBRUARY 4, 2001 “It was 53 years ago that our beloved motherland regained independence after 443 years of colonial subjugation. We have gathered here today to commemorate a day of pride for the entire...