“ Pelican Hall ” Waters Edge, Battaramulla – 27th July 2025.

The United Nations Association of Sri Lanka (UNASL) held its 5th National Executive Committee Conference on Sunday, 27th July 2025, at Waters Edge, Battaramulla, bringing together esteemed members, youth representatives, and national thought leaders to reflect on the Association’s legacy and chart a collaborative course towards a sustainable future.

Mr. M.M. Zawahir, President of UNASL, delivered the Welcome Address, setting the tone for the day’s proceedings.

He was followed by Mr. Dharmadasa Vitharana, Executive Chairman, who took participants “Down Memory Lane” with a compelling account of UNASL’s rich history and its contributions to Sri Lanka’s development through global engagement.

A session on volunteerism and leadership experiences was presented by Dr. M.M.M. Rushanudeen, Secretary-General of UNASL.

The morning keynote on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), titled “A Common Agenda, A Shared Responsibility: Bridging Generations to Localize Global Goals in Sri Lanka,” was delivered by Mr. Ashan Perera, Founder of The Road to Rights and recipient of the United Nations SDG Action Award 2018. His address emphasized intergenerational responsibility and collective action for sustainable development.

The role of the United Nations and the critical contribution of national UN Associations was articulated by Prof. Rohan Fernando, Chairman of the National Science and Technology Commission and Senior Professor in Geology at the Open University of Sri Lanka.

The Chief Guest, Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, delivered a keynote address reflecting on multilateral cooperation and Sri Lanka’s engagement with the UN.

Further insights into the current and future direction of the Association were shared by President M.M. Zawahir, followed by a dynamic session titled “Youth in Action and The Way Forward,” led by the UNASL Youth Members, showcasing the vibrancy and potential of youth-led initiatives.

The afternoon saw the launch of a fundraising project featuring the unveiling of the official UNASL T-shirt, a symbolic step to bolster public awareness and resource mobilization and Token Appreciation Presentation.

Two key governance meetings followed:

– 3rd National Executive Committee Meeting (2025/26)

– Special General Meeting (2025/26)

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Sarath Samarage, Vice Chairman of UNASL, who acknowledged the contributions of all members, partners, and stakeholders in making the conference a resounding success.

The UNASL remains committed to advancing the values of the United Nations in Sri Lanka through advocacy, education, and action.

This annual gathering reinforced the Association’s vision to empower communities, engage youth, and promote sustainable development across generations.

The Token Appreciations Receipts are Chief Guest, Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, Guest Speakers Prof. Rohan Fernando, Mr.Ashan Perera, Mr.S.Kumarendiram – Chairman Yashi Holdings Private Limited Colombo , Mr.Buddika Perera Father Rev.M.Matheesan, of Jaffna, Mrs.Fathima NAZRA Rushanudeen Mohamed Nizar , Mr.Chaminda Perera Editor – News Daily News National Paper Lake House ,President Mr.M.M.Zawahir, Executive Chairman Mr.Dharmadasa Vitharanage, Secretary-General Dr.M.M.M.Rushanudeen dedicated his daughter Miss.Nabeeha Rushanudeen, Treasurer Mr.Kumudu Weerasinghe, Editor Mrs.Shiyama Wijekulasuriya, Mrs.Chandani Kusumalatha Vitharanage, ASG Mrs.Panchali Rathnayake VC Dr.Ravi Nagaraja, Dr.Sarath Samaraghe, ASG Dr.Madavi Bandara, ASG Dr.Krishantha Dissanayake

This 5th National Executive Committee Conference , 3rd Exco & Special General Meetings was Sponsored by : Honorary Exco Member S.Kumarendiram Chairman- Yashi Holdings Private Limited,Buddhika Perera,
Father Rev.M.Matheesan (Gold Sponsors) M.S.M.Mafraz (Bronze Sponsor) I.M.Ijilan, M.S.M.Saleem, A.A.Azeez, Dr.Jayaruwan Bandara,
M.H.M.Ibrahim, Lalith Peris, M.H.M.Abdeen (General Sponsors) all Special Life / Life Members of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka affiliated to with The World Federation United Nations Associations WFUNA.

For more information, contact:

The Secretary – General
National Secretariat
United Nations Association of Sri Lanka
📞 +94 (038) 2232123 / 0722221331
📧 unasl@slt.lk
🌐 www.unasrilanka.org