Ban meets Sirisena; pledges support to Lanka's reform agenda

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed hope that there will be increased momentum in Sri Lanka's reform agenda of reconciliation, transitional justice and peacebuilding processes during his meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena here.

The UN Chief met with Sirisena yesterday and pledged his continued support to Sri Lanka's "broad and impressive reform agenda, including to the reconciliation, transitional justice and peacebuilding processes," according to a readout of the meeting issued by Ban's spokesperson.

Ban expressed hope for "increased momentum in these important areas."

He also endorsed the comprehensive Peacebuilding Priority Plan.

"The Secretary-General was encouraged by the President's leadership and commitment to stay the course and fulfil the aspirations of the Sri Lankan people in bringing lasting peace and prosperity for all," the statement read.
 

Before arriving in Lanka, Ban had visited Myanmar.

He will travel to China for the G20 Summit, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic for the annual ASEAN-UN Summit.

Addressing a youth event in Galle yesterday, the UN chief said Sri Lanka's young population is its "biggest asset" and the future success of the nation depended on them.

He noted that most of the youth was born and lived its early lives during conflict, terror and displacement, suffering deprivations and injustice.

"Involvement in peacebuilding, reconciliation and post-conflict transformation provide an opportunity to emerge from this trauma to play a part in creating a better future," he said.

He said that young people around the world are often depicted as "potential terrorists and easy prey for recruitment by violent extremists".

"But this distorted picture ignores the reality that the vast majority of young people want to be part of the solution to violent extremism. Here and around the world, young people long for peace and security, and are among the most ardent proponents of human rights," he said.