Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Head of State and President of Sri Lanka, said poverty, together with the problems that stem from it, casts “an oppressive shadow on our future”.  The Assembly must therefore pay special attention to eradicate it in its extremities.  Perplexed by the undesirable consequences of this malaise, especially when juxtaposed with a world advanced in technology, he asked: “How can there be children without access to education?”  As the foundation of every great nation, education is the most vital factor deciding a person’s future, he said, stressing: “We firmly believe that investment in education is an investment in global progress.”

He highlighted the drug problem as a complex issue affecting millions worldwide, noting that drug cartels are not only converting entire States into their hunting grounds but pose a major threat to global health, politics and well-being.  He urged the international community to act together to implement the global agenda on drugs and crime.  “I bring to your notice the need to implement the law strictly against these drug traffickers and prevent drug traffickers from taking refuge in our countries, and also to set up rehabilitation centres for rehabilitation purposes,” he emphasized.

Describing corruption as an epidemic and obstruction to development and noting that the struggle to combat it is an uphill endeavour, he nevertheless advocated the taking of necessary steps, adding that “if the courageous step we take is correct, a thousand steps will follow.”  On the Palestinian situation, he said Sri Lanka, having lived through a three-decade war, not only knows very well the futility of war, but recognizes a nation’s “inalienable right to their own State”.  He therefore called on the international community “to stop being a mere spectator and move decisively to end the suffering of millions”.

The last elections in Sri Lanka saw the establishment of a parliament that reflects its ethnic and religious diversity.  “We believe that the duty of legislatures is to develop the country and the people, not to develop themselves,” he stated.  Ensuring every person enjoys the opportunities of the digital age is a global challenge, he observed, adding that succeeding in that task will open doors to technology, accelerate development and strengthen governance.  “If we fail, technology will turn into one more force worsening inequality, insecurity and injustice,” he warned.  He called for collective efforts to remove technological inequalities associated with artificial intelligence.