News
National organisations here warn UN over its failure to deal with US for criminal behaviour in Venezuela
The Patriotic National Movement (PNM) and Bolivarian Solidarity of Sri Lanka, in a joint letter to UN Secretary General António Guterres, has warned that the failure on the part of the UN to decisively act may set a dangerous precedent, encourage unilateral actions and weaken the collective security framework upon which global stability depends.
The following is the text of the statement issued by Dr. Wasantha Bandara and Jeewantha Jayatissa, respectively, on behalf of the two organisations in the wake of US military action against Venezuela: We write to you with grave concern regarding reports published by various international media and agencies alleging military actions undertaken by the Government of the United States of America against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
According to these reports, air strikes conducted by the United States security forces have targeted both civilian and military locations in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. If verified, such actions would constitute a serious violation of Articles 1 and 2 of the Charter of the United Nations, which uphold the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of the use of force.
Furthermore, it has been publicly claimed by the President of the United States that President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela and his spouse were apprehended and removed from the country. Such an action, if substantiated, would represent an unprecedented and deeply alarming development in international relations—namely, the unprovoked use of military force against a sovereign state and the forcible removal of a sitting Head of State.
These developments, taken together, pose a profound challenge to international law and the credibility of the multilateral system. The apparent inability of the international community to respond decisively risks undermining the authority of the United Nations and eroding global confidence in its mandate to preserve peace and security.
In this context, we respectfully urge Your Excellency, in your capacity as Secretary-General of the United Nations, to convene an urgent and appropriate multilateral consultation and to employ all mechanisms available under the Charter to uphold international law and prevent further escalation. Failure to act decisively may set a dangerous precedent, encourage unilateral actions and weaken the collective security framework upon which global stability depends.
As national organisations in Sri Lanka attentive to global public opinion, we respectfully submit the following measures for your consideration, which we believe are essential to restoring confidence in the United Nations at this critical juncture: (a) To demonstrate the impartiality and integrity of the United Nations, urgently convene the United Nations General Assembly to deliberate on the situation and, if appropriate, adopt a resolution in accordance with international law (b) To acknowledge prevailing global concern that the reported loss of civilian life resulting from indiscriminate bombardment, as well as the alleged forcible detention of a Head of State, may constitute war crimes under international law, and to affirm that accountability must apply without exception and (c) To guide the General Assembly and the Security Council, in accordance with established international norms, toward the consideration of an independent judicial mechanism or special tribunal to investigate these allegations.
We trust in your leadership and moral authority at this pivotal moment and remain hopeful that the United Nations will act decisively to uphold the principles upon which it was founded.
Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration.”
As part of the official visit to London for the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, held discussions with academic experts from the British Council on Wednesday [20 May 2026].
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in education, particularly in the areas of teacher training, English language programmes, education frameworks, and language acquisition skills.
The British Council shared international experience and highlighted its ongoing engagement in Sri Lanka, while expressing readiness to support the country through technical assistance, teacher development initiatives, and policy collaboration.
Discussions also included views on improving quality assurance, expanding research collaboration, and enhancing learning opportunities.
The Prime Minister appreciated the British Council’s continued engagement in Sri Lanka and reiterated the importance of deepening partnerships.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division’
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, met with members of the Sri Lankan community living in London on Wednesday [20th] and engaged in cordial discussions.
Despite the event being held on a weekday, it was notable that nearly one thousand Sri Lankans representing the Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim communities attended with great enthusiasm.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that despite natural disasters and international crises, the present government has succeeded in stabilizing the country’s economy while providing relief to the people. She further noted that Sri Lanka’s political culture has now undergone a positive transformation that is irreversible.
Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj, addressing the event, stated that a governance system has now been established in the country where all communities are treated equally and the benefits of economic development are shared fairly among all citizens.
Moving away from the traditional method of political gatherings, the event also provided an open platform for members of the Sri Lankan community to directly raise questions and express their views to the Prime Minister and the Minister.
Commenting on the organization of the event, the organizing committee stated that all expenses, including dinner, were borne by the participants themselves. The organizers further remarked that it is unsurprising that opposition groups, accustomed to organizing such events through the misuse of public funds, appear unsettled by this transparent process.
The occasion was attended by the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Paulraj and Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya currently undertaking an official visit to London, United Kingdom, to participate in the 43rd Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Board of Governors Meeting 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the Yvette Cooper MP, Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom ON Wednesday [20]. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, along with officials from the Sri Lankan High Commission.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation to the United Kingdom for the support extended in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwa, including ongoing rebuilding and recovery assistance. The Prime Minister also commended the United Kingdom’s support in facilitating increased bilateral trade and exports for Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister briefed the UK delegation on Sri Lanka’s recent economic developments and policy priorities, the Government’s commitment to advancing human rights and reconciliation, as well as Sri Lanka’s positive growth trajectory.
The two sides also exchanged views on current global geopolitical developments, challenges in the energy sector, and the importance of enhancing regional connectivity and long-term energy security.
Both sides also emphasised the importance of strengthening structured academic mobility frameworks while ensuring fairness, clarity, and integrity within migration systems.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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