Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Sri Lanka has secured a position on the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for a tenure spanning 2023-2027. The announcement was made through an official statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following the 42nd General Conference of UNESCO convened in Paris this week. In this electoral process, Sri Lanka garnered an impressive 144 votes out of the 188 member states participating, attaining the third-highest vote count within the region, alongside Bangladesh.
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UNESCO’s member states, selecting 6 out of 9 candidates from the Asia-Pacific Region, included Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Republic of Korea, and Australia. Notably, Sri Lanka previously served on the Executive Board from 2015 to 2019. UNESCO, integral to fostering international collaboration in education, sciences, culture, communication, and information, plays a crucial role in promoting peace and security while contributing to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.
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Sri Lanka’s longstanding membership in UNESCO since 1949, shortly after gaining independence, underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to the values and principles championed by UNESCO. This commitment aims to encourage global cooperation through education, science, and culture, thereby advancing universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and the fundamental freedoms of all peoples. Throughout its history as a member, Sri Lanka has actively contributed to UNESCO’s mission, with the Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO serving as the government’s arm for implementing the UNESCO Agenda under the guidance of the Ministry of Education.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Paris and the Ministry of Education (National focal point), expressed satisfaction in spearheading the successful campaign securing Sri Lanka’s election to the UNESCO Executive Board. Highlighting Sri Lanka’s recent achievements on the international stage, the Foreign Ministry noted with pride that in the preceding months, the country has secured consecutive election victories to three United Nations bodies/committees: the Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (CMW), and the UNESCO Executive Board.
This collective success underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to actively participating in and contributing to crucial international endeavors. Sri Lanka, with a rich history spanning over two millennia, showcases the enduring achievements of its early Sinhalese civilization through a tapestry of ruined cities and grand religious monuments scattered across the northern plains of the island. Notably, Sri Lanka boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, serving as testaments to the profound and interconnected cultural traditions integral to the Sri Lankan experience.
These sites encompass a diverse range of historical and natural wonders, including the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, the awe-inspiring Ancient City of Sigiriya, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, the venerable Sacred City of Kandy, the biodiversity hotspot of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the historic Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications, the spiritually significant Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple, and the captivating Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. Each of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflects the nation’s rich cultural tapestry, inviting exploration and appreciation of the historical and natural legacy that has shaped Sri Lanka into a truly extraordinary destination.
