News stories by Dr. Palitha Kohona

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Jun 25 (IPS) - The recent approach of the US to the UN and its agencies has left many shaking their heads. The US, under President Roosevelt, played a seminal role in creating the UN and its key agencies after World War II and subsequently nurturing them.

CANBERRA, Australia, Feb 04 (IPS) - I love visiting Canberra in the summer. The air is clean. The water in lake Burley Griffin is crystal clear and the "go boats" merrily bob up and down with their wine sipping occupants while black swans frolic in peace.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Nov 28 (IPS) - The Economist proclaimed recently that Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the man who, as secretary of defense, presided over this horrifying episode (the final phase of Sri Lanka's terrorist inspired internal conflict), has just been elected president of Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Jul 11 (IPS) - Dr. Palitha Kohona is former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations.

The World Youth Skills Day is being celebrated around the world on 15 July. This day was established on 18 December 2014 by General Assembly resolution A/RES/69/145 which was initiated by Sri Lanka. Following a lengthy consultation process, at the UN and outside, during which some delegations, including some Europeans expressed reservations, the resolution was eventually adopted unanimously. It received solid support from youth delegations from around the world.

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA, Sep 29 (IPS) - As it celebrates its 70th birthday, a proud achievement of the United Nations over its lifetime, is the framework of multilateral treaties that it has been instrumental in putting in place.

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA, Sep 15 (IPS) - UNGA 70 formally commenced on Sep. 15. In accordance with custom, it elected a new President, Denmark's Mogens Lykketoft, who has picked as the theme for his tenure as the President, "The UN at 70 - A New Commitment to Action".

COLOMBO, Jun 22 (IPS) - The international community must focus its energies immediately on addressing the grave challenges confronting the oceans. With implications for global order and peace, the oceans are also becoming another arena for national rivalry.

COLOMBO, May 26 (IPS) - As the U.N. enters its 70th year, it is legitimate to ask whether it has been a success so far. Over the years, the media, in particular the Western media, has tended to highlight the U.N.'s failures.

COLOMBO, May 08 (IPS) - Sustainable development is central to a range of key discussions at the United Nations and elsewhere at the moment.

NEW YORK, Mar 26 (IPS) - With Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's term of office tapering off by the end of 2016, there is increasing chatter in the corridors of the United Nations on his successor.