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I assumed office today 28th April 2025 as the 6th SECRETARY – GENERAL of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka affiliated to with The World Federation of United Nations Associations WFUNA at National Secretariat – General, Panadura, Sri Lanka.
I was elected unanimously by General Membership
as a ” SECRETARY – GENERAL”
of United Nations Association in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka @ 75th Annual General Meeting Year 2025 / 2026 at National Secretariat, Panadura, Sri Lanka on 6th April 2025.
“System Change for New Era”
begain………
United Nations Association of Sri Lanka
National Executive Committee Moto
” Work or Depart “
First time was contest as a key post of Secretary-General of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka strong unanimous reccomandation by outgoing Members of National Executive Committee at Emergency Meeting on 15th March 2025 it will be set record as i am a one & only student President Zahira College Colombo UNA Study Circles among 328 Schools in Secondary High Schools in Sri Lanka approved by the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka Zahira College Colombo UNA Study Circle is Best Study Circle in 1991 / 1992 / 1993 & 1994 and Volunteer since 1985 up-to-date with represent over 35 Years in National Executive Committee of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka.
I was Joined in 1985 as Volunteer obtained Life Membership in 1990 National Executive Committee Invited stand Election as a Exco Member also first UNASL Study Circle President, he promoted to many post of UNASL as Assistant Secretary-General, Vice Chairman, Deputy Executive Chairman and Chairperson of the Executive ( Executive Chairman) respectively time to time since from 1992/199 till 2025.
The Live wire of UNA Sri Lanka honoured him title of “Life Patron” , with Highiest Honour “Honorary Member” of UNA Sri Lanka for honoured his invaluable contribution and service
Also serve as a Chairman- Finance, Fundraising, Disaster Releif, Membership Development, UN Calender,Observances, Sustainable Development Goals, WFUNA ,UN, Diplomatic & Nomination Board Sub Committees.
Received from UNA Sri Lanka Volunteer of the Year Award 2014 , 2015 , 2016 & 2017 & UNA Sri Lanka Invaluable Services and Highiest Honour Awards recently received UNA Sri Lanka Life Time Volunteer Legend Gold Medal for Year 1985-2025
I am professionally Businessman & Journalist
Managing Partner of Nizam Trading , MMR Marketing Services & MMR Express and
Director – Editor in Chief – Journalist – WPC Media Private Limited
Prominant Old Boy – Hameed – Al – Hussainie College Colombo & Zahira College Colombo.lĺ
United Nations Association of Ceylon (UNA- Ceylon) was founded in 19th August 1950 under Patronage and Guidance of First Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs of Ceylon Mahamanya Rt.Hon.D.S.Senanayake MP.
The Certificate of Incorporation in Company Act No.17 of 1982 and Under Amendments to this Act in 2007 Registered Limited Company No.N(A) 133 & Departmenent of Social Services National Secretariat of Non Government Organization in Sri Lanka Under Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka Registered & Licence Number L16104 – NGO Council too.
The Five Years before Sri Lanka was Admitted as a Member State of United Nations on 14th December 1955 together with 15 other Countries.
UNA Ceylon gained admission to WFUNA in 1951
Affiliated with the WORLD FEDERATION OF UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATIONS (WFUNA) Founded in 2nd August 1946 & Special Resolution 137 (11) of 17th November 1947 Adopted in United Nations General Assembly Recall 95th Plenary Meeting 3rd December 1986 & 1986 Resolution 41/68 WFUNA is an independent, non-governmental organization with Category One Consultative Status at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); Associate Status with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI) and United Nations Organization for Education Science and Culture (UNESCO); Special List with the UN International Labor Organization (ILO); General Status with the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD); Status with UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), International Atomic and Energy Agency (IAEA), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), UN World Metereological Association and consultative or liaison links with many other UN organizations and agencies.
WFUNA is a nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Service Code.
WFUNA is set up under Article 60 of the Swiss Civil Code.
The United Nations Association’s (UNA) primary objective is to promote understanding and support for the United Nations and its work, fostering global cooperation and addressing global challenges through diplomacy and international collaboration.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Advocacy and Education:
UNAs, both national and local, often focus on educating the public about the UN’s role, goals, and activities, encouraging citizen engagement in international affairs.
Promoting UN Principles:
They work to raise awareness of the UN’s core principles, including peace, human rights, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
Supporting UN Initiatives:
UNAs may support specific UN programs and initiatives, such as those related to climate change, poverty reduction, or conflict resolution.
Networking and Collaboration:
They often facilitate connections between individuals, organizations, and governments to promote dialogue and collaboration on global issues.
Lobbying and Policy Influence:
Some UNAs engage in lobbying efforts to influence national and international policies in line with UN goals.
Supported by The Ministry of Foriegn Affairs of Sri Lanka and UN Sri Lanka.
Miles Stones of United Nations Association of Sri Lanka (UNASL)
The UNA of Sri Lanka was founded in 19th August 1950. 5 years before Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) admitted as a member state of United Nations .
The First Prime Minister & Foreign Affairs of Ceylon Right Honorable Prime Minister Mahamanya Mr. D. S. Senanayake gave him unreserved blessings and support for in setting up UNASL.
The inaugural meeting of UNASL held at “Sravasti” meeting hall. Honorable Major Montague Jayawickrama was unanimously elected as its first President and Yogendra Duraisamy (Senior) its first Secretary – General.
His Excellency the Right Honorable Herewald Ramsbotham, the Governor General was graciously pleased to accept office as the first Patron while Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake became its Chief Vice Patron.
In 1951, the new association gained admission to WFUNA – the world Federation of United Nation Association.
Senator the Honorable Dr. M. V. P. Peiris succeeded the first president of the UNASL and continued until 1970 when Hon. Felix R Dias Bandaranayake, Minister of Justice was elected President with Nihal Jayawickrama Secretary, Ministry of Justice as Secretary – General.
At a meeting held (at the Justice Ministry conference room in Haltsdorf in July 1976) Mr. Nihal Jayawickrama was selected unanimously as the President of UNASL. After taking the chair, Mr. Nihal Jayawickrama in his first act as President, proposed the name of Mr. Kumaran Fernando, the author, for the post of Secretary – General.
UNA Study Circles project was launched in 1981. This project was converted into a programme in 1990 with the fomal approval of the Minister of Education Mr. Lalith Athulathmudali, who too had been in his student days a Founder Member of UNASL in 1950.
In 1987, Secretary General Javier Perez De Cuellar appointed the UNASL as an official UN “Peace Messenger” the only NGO in the country almost 20 years later to be so honored.
In 1989 the Association was incorporated under the Companies act No. 17 of 1982 and re-registered under the companies act No. 7 of 2007.
In 1991 the UNASL launched its monthly public lecture programme. This lecture programme in still continuing. Ambassadors, Judges, University professors and other resource personnel of various fields have delivered lectures since 1991 to 2010
The fiftieth anniversary or golden jubilee of the UNASL was held in 2000 with a message from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan who stated in since its birth in 1950, the UNA Sri Lanka has been valuable ally of the United Nations a two- way link between the Organization and the people it exists to serve.
The National Observance of UN Day was held in an unbroken chain over 70 years by UNASL in collaboration with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNDP with the participation of school Children Island wide.
Please see this in our official Website Home page
UNA Sri Lanka – Secretary-Generals
First Secretary-General : Yogendran Duraisamy (Senior)
Second Secretary-General : Nihal Jayasinghe
Third Secretary-General : Devadas Kumaran Fernando ( 1976 – 2010 )
Fourth Secretary-General : M.M.Zawahir ( 2010 – 2015 )
Fifth Secretary-General : Errol G.Smith ( 2015 – 2025
Sixth Secretary-General : Dr.M.M.M.Rushanudeen JPWI ( 2015 – 03 -15 onwards……..)
Here I am with our Chairman of The National Executive Committee / Assistant Treasurer of UN Association of Sri Lanka.
I am really very excited and looking forward to the challenges ahead.
Rushanudeen is Father of Nabeeha Rushanudeen she is youngest Life Member and Husband of Mrs.F.Nazra Rushanudeen Life Member of UNASL.
Elder son Businessman Proprietor- Gordian Company, Trade Union Leader Late N.M.Marzook & Mrs.S.M.B.Marzook and Son-In Law of Businessman & Founder of Nizam Trading Late M.N.M.Nizar ( Nizam) & Mrs.M.H.Y.Nizar of Colombo, Sri Lanka.