President Maithripala Sirisena in his congratulatory message to Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General designate of the United Nations said that the wealth of knowledge from the past experiences of Antonio Guterres, as the Prime Minister of Portugal and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees will assist him greatly in better serving the challenges faced by the world in the 21st Century.

 Full text is below:

It gives me great pleasure to convey to you my warm congratulations on your appointment as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The overwhelming support that you have received from the International Community during your election to this high office is indeed due to the confidence that is placed on your ability and able leadership to steer and guide the United Nations to better serve the challenges faced by the world in the 21st Century. No doubt, the wealth of knowledge from your past experiences as the Prime Minister of Portugal and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees will assist you greatly in this endeavour.

Sri Lanka has been an active member of the United Nations for more than six decades. Since the Presidential Election in January 2015, I have taken every endeavour to renew and restore the country’s meaningful engagement with the United Nations. As such, our relations are strengthened and there is much understanding and productive cooperation between the UN and Sri Lanka. I look forward to the continued engagement of this relationship during your tenure as Secretary-General.

I extend to you my best wishes for a most successful tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Maithripala Sirisena