Political developments keep President away from UNGA

The President was represented by Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Ariyasinghe at the UN meeting.

The General Debate of the 74th session of the UNGA began on 24 September and ended yesterday (Monday).

A source at the Presidential Secretariat said the President’s Office had made all preparations for President Sirisena’s, visit but was informed at the last minute that he will not be participating.

Although the reason for the withdrawal was not known, the source believed that the President’s last minute withdrawal may have been triggered by the current political situation in the country.

If the President participated in the sessions he might be in New York at a time when the country’s political situation is at a very decisive stage.

If the President participated in the UNGA, it would have been his last representation of Sri Lanka at the UNGA prior to ending his term as President.