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‘Freedom of expression must be exercised within Constitutional order’

26 Sep 2022

  • Sabry addresses 77th UN General Assembly in New York
BY Mirudhula Thambiah Minister of Foreign Affairs M.U.M Ali Sabry PC, addressing the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York yesterday (25), noted that while one has a fundamental right to the freedom of expression, which is treated as being sacrosanct, this freedom must operate within the constitutional order and must be exercised while having regard to one’s fundamental duty to express oneself within the confines of the law. He also said that through the proposed legislative and constitutional amendments, democratic governance will be reinforced with independent oversight institutions, as well as with enhanced public scrutiny. “Legal and administrative frameworks are being strengthened to ensure transparency, integrity, accountability, and inclusivity in providing access to justice. A greater participation of women and youth will be ensured in this process,” he added. Stating that Sri Lanka has been a victim of terrorism for several decades, he noted that the country requires appropriate laws and mechanisms to counter such. He added that the terrorists’ choice of targets, and methods of financing and radicalisation, as well as the use of new technologies as weapons, has been constantly evolving, and that legislative measures and law enforcement mechanisms must be put in place to counter radical ideologies leading to violent extremism, and to curb the terrorists’ use and abuse of the internet and social media platforms. “It is necessary to develop the critical thinking capacity of youth, strengthen community bonds, foster a sense of civic responsibility, and build community resilience to mitigate the effects and influences of violent extremist ideology leading to terrorism,” he added. Meanwhile, Minister Sabry PC, paying reference to food and nutrition security at the UNGA general debate, stressed that there is a likelihood that the world will not reach the scheduled milestones to achieve “Zero Hunger” by 2030. It is predicted that food and nutrition security will be at great risk, and Sri Lanka is paying serious heed to these warning signs, he stated.  He added that Sri Lanka supports sustainable transformation of agriculture to a modernised sector, and encourages enhanced food production to ensure food security. Sri Lanka has initiated the national food security programme with the dual objectives of ensuring that no citizen should suffer for the want of food, and no child should be a victim of malnutrition. “Adequate nutrition is a sine qua non and vital to ensure that children of all socio-economic backgrounds can enjoy good health,” he said. Minister Sabry, commenting on the economic status of the country, noted that the Government is extremely sensitive to the socio-economic hardships faced by the people, further mentioning that the Government is pleased to have reached a staff-level understanding with the IMF. “We have put measures in place to protect the vulnerable segments of society and will endeavour to ensure that these economic reforms will have a minimum impact on their lives. Our institutions and society have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of very difficult circumstances,”  he added. Meanwhile during his visit in the New York, Minister Sabry held discussions with various dignitaries, including US President Joe Biden, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Nepalese Foreign Secretary Bharay Raj Paudyal, and UAE State Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Ahmed Al Sayegh.


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