January 30, Colombo (LNW): The United Nations has expressed its willingness to assist Sri Lanka in its ongoing efforts to uncover and recover hidden assets.
Marc Andrew France, the UN’s Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka, made this commitment during a recent meeting with the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath.
During the discussions, France highlighted the significance of Sri Lanka working closely with the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission in New York.
He assured the government of the UN’s full backing in its fight against corruption and fraud, including the provision of financial and technical support to aid in these efforts.
France also took the opportunity to commend Sri Lanka for its compassionate handling of the Rohingya refugees who were rescued off the nation’s maritime borders.
He praised the government for its humane approach, acknowledging the country’s efforts to offer refuge to those in need during a time of crisis.
The Resident Coordinator further shared that UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected to visit Sri Lanka towards the end of the year, a visit that is expected to further strengthen the ties between Sri Lanka and the United Nations.
Minister Vijitha Herath, in turn, remarked on the recent elections, describing the election of a new government—free from ethnic and racial divisions—as a historic achievement for Sri Lanka.
He also discussed the government’s ongoing efforts to return land to its rightful owners in the Northern and Eastern provinces, emphasising the importance of fulfilling this long-standing commitment.
Additionally, the Minister called for the UN’s cooperation in expanding the recruitment of Sri Lankan armed forces personnel for future UN Peacekeeping Missions, underscoring Sri Lanka’s continued dedication to contributing to global peace and security.
