UN chief notes changes in Sri Lanka this year

As 2015 draws to a close, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that among the highlights of this year was the changes which took place in Sri Lanka.

Despite the ?daunting? situations, Ban said that political progress and smooth transfers of power over the past year, including in Sri Lanka and Nigeria is encouraging.

Speaking at his year-end press conference, Ban summed up the ?pivotal year? in which the UN?marked its 70th anniversary by highlighting landmark steps taken to advance sustainable development, climate action, conflict resolution and provision of humanitarian assistance.

Ban said that 2015 has brought ?breakthrough and horror?, and added that the UN will continue to strengthen itself, including through wide-ranging assessments of peace operations, peacebuilding and our future role and capacities. (Colombo Gazette)