Speeches

Children are Our Future
Launch of the National Action Plan for Children Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 Honorable Ministers,Excellencies,UN dignitaries,Secretaries to the Ministries and public officials,Distinguished guests,Our young friends, I am indeed extremely happy to be here today with...
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Poverty, Disease and Terrorism
60th Session of the UN General Assembly New York, USA SEPTEMBER 17, 2005 I extend to you Mr. President, our warmest congratulations as you assume the high office of the President of the Sixtieth Session of the General Assembly of...
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The Role of a Leader in a Developing Country
High Level Plenary Meeting of UN General Assembly New York, USA SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 May I at the outset extend our sympathy and solidarity to the people and the Government of the United States of America as they begin reconstruction...
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The Fight against Terrorism
Address following the Assassination of Mr. Lakshman Kadirgamar Colombo, Sri Lanka AUGUST 14, 2005 I address you today at a time of profound sorrow. The nation has lost a leader, a great humanist and I have lost a dear friend...
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Action against Hunger and Poverty
Meeting on World Leaders ECOSOC Chamber United Nations, New York, USA SEPTEMBER 15, 2004 Mr Chairman, It is a privilege for me to address this distinguished gathering on such a significant occasion as the meeting of world leaders to discuss...
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The Convention on the Rights of the Child
Universal Children's Day Celebrations Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka OCTOBER 1, 2002 Children, Principals and Teachers, Chairman, National Child Protection Authority and theRepresentatives of UNICEF Let me begin by expressing my warm appreciation to the children who’ve organized...
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Cohabitation and Democracy
Address to the Nation Colombo, Sri Lanka AUGUST 9, 2002 I have had occasion during the past 08 years as your President to address you on numerous occasions through television and radio, regarding National Issues and other matters of concern...
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The Status of Children in Sri Lanka
United Nations Special Session on Children New York, USA MAY 8, 2002 Mr. President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Today as the United Nations General Assembly hosts this Special Session on Children, I am honoured to be part of a renewed...
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Achievements and Shortcomings since Independence
Independence Day Celebration Colombo, Sri Lanka FEBRUARY 2, 2002 Venerable members of the Maha Sanga,Reverend Sirs,Fellow Citizens This day, our fifty fourth anniversary of independence, affords us yet another appropriate opportunity to reflect on our many achievements, analyze our failures,...
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Terrorism, Democracy, and Conflict Resolution
Address following LTTE attacks on the International Airport & Air Force Base Colombo, Sri Lanka JULY 30, 2001 President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga addressing the nation on state television Wednesday night, strongly condemned Tuesday’s LTTE attack on the Katunayake Air Force...
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