71st United Nations Day observed in grand style by the UNASL

United Nations Association of Sri Lanka conducted the National Observance of the 71st United Nations Day at a function at the Bishop’s College Auditorium Colombo 03 on 23rd October 2016 with the distinguished participation of Ms. Una McCauley, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka as the chief guest. Members of the Diplomatic corps and Mr. D. M. Gunasekara, General Manager of the Bank Of Ceylon and other distinguished guests participated. Teachers and Students from many Study Circles of the UNASL around the country also participated.
The function commenced with the recital of the National Anthem and a Pooja Dance by the Police Cultural troop. Thereafter the President of UNASL Prof. Lakshman Marasinghe welcomed the gathering. The first copy of the UNASL Annual 2016 was ceremoniously handed over to the chief guest. Thereafter T. M. S. D. N. Bandara of St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy the student who won the Best Student Speaker contest delivered the keynote address on the theme “International Year of Pulses”.

Ms. Una McCauley the chief guest speaking thereafter indicated the importance of observing these functions by the National Organizations linked to the UN. Dr. G. P. P. Silva spoke in Sinhala and English for the benefit of many students who participated. Thereafter awards were distributed to winners of the Speech contest, General Knowledge contest and the Essay writing contest. In order to encourage participation of teachers in the Study Circle activities, cash awards were handed over to Teachers in Charge of Study Circle activities in the five schools that did well. Special awards were given to members of the UNASL in recognition of their active support to the organization.
A special award also given to Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera well known Accessibility Rights Activist for his continued participation in activities relating to Accessibility Rights of disabled people.
There were few individuals and organizations which helped the UNASL to conduct this event successfully. Among them were Mr. D. M. Gunasekara. General Manager of Bank of Ceylon, Mr Haroon Hussaindeen, Director Luckey De Two Pvt Ltd, Deshamanya Eng. N Rajkumar, Dr F Nizreen Fazeen and Mr M Fazeen Junkeer, Directors of Winspire International Education and Mr V B Meyvin, Proprietor of Grandpass Medical Centre who assisted us financially, many other well wishers and members of the UNASL who assisted us in many ways.

Address y Chief Guest – Ms. Una McCauley, UN Resident Coordinator	Address By President of the Association – Prof. Lakshman Marasinghe
Address By Secretary-General of the Association – Mr Errol Smith	Address By Executive Chairman of the Association – Mr Mohamed Zawahir
Address By Honorary Member of the NEC – Dr. G. P. P. Silva	Best Student Speaker – T. M. S. D. N. Bandara of St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy
Chief Guest welcome by Executive Chairman, Secretary General & Deputy Executive Chairman	First Copy of UNA Annual 2016 presented to the Chief Guest
Best Teachers-in-charge for 2015	Best Study Circle for 2015
Award presented by Chief Guest	Award presentation
Special Award presented to Dr. Ajith C. S. Perera	Appreciation Award presented to Mr M M M Rushanudeen
Appreciation Award presented to Dr M Z M Nizar	Appreciation Award presented to Mr Ananda Malalgoda
Appreciation Award presented to – Mr. T S N Fernando	Appreciation Award presented to Mr Buddhika Senanayake
Cultural Item by Police Cultural troop	Cultural Item by Police Cultural troop
Cultural Item by Police Cultural troop	Appreciation Award presented to Mr.Haroon Hussainudeen
Appreciation Award presented to – Mrs Delgoda on behalf of Mr Arjun Delgoda	Appreciation Award presented to – Dr. Fathima N. Fazeen
Appreciation Award presented to -Mr. Mohamed Fazeen Junkeer	Appreciation Award presented to – Desamanya Eng. N. Rajkumar