President: Society grapples with moral crisis

By Sugeeswara Senadhira in New York-2016-09-26

Obama's final remarks as the President of the United Nations are consistent with his view that we should all be 'world citizens.' However, the speech provoked a strong reaction from Americans who believe that the leader's job is to represent the United States first in global affairs. 'Obama: Submit to World Government,' screamed the 'Washington Free Beacon' headline.

Though the Americans are perturbed, many independent analysts think what the US President said was true. "We have to put our money where our mouths are. And we can only realize the promise of this institution's founding to replace the ravages of war with cooperation if powerful nations like my own accept constraints. Sometimes I'm criticized in my own country for professing a belief in international norms and multilateral institutions, but I'm convinced in the long run giving up some freedom of action, not giving up our ability to protect ourselves or pursue our core interests but binding ourselves to international rules, over the long-term, enhances our security, Obama said.

Final address

Though equally criticized by many, UNSG Ban Ki-moon also did not mince his words. In his final address to the U.N. General Assembly, the normally taciturn World Top Diplomat said he felt 'deep concern' as he prepares to leave office before launching into a litany of world leaders' recent failures, gulfs of mistrust divide citizens from their leaders, extremists push people into camps of 'us' and 'them,' the earth assails us with rising seas, record heat and extreme storms and the danger define the days of many.

Ban stated that recent achievements in economic development and public health are vulnerable to "grave security threats," - Armed conflicts have grown more protracted and complex. Governance failures have pushed societies past the brink. Radicalization has threatened social cohesion – precisely the response that violent extremists seek and welcome.

Ban went on to detail the consequences of these trends in Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sahel region, Ukraine, South Sudan, and North Korea. Still, he saved most of his frustration for Syria, pointing to this week's bombing of a U.N. aid convoy and saying "just when we think it cannot get any worse, the bar of depravity sinks lower."

Progressive movements

However, good news for us is that Ban saw positive progressive movements forward in Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
President Maithripala Sirisena made a candid statement at the press briefing he held at the conclusion of the New York visit. "When I came for the 70th session of the UN General Assembly last year, many leaders spoke to me. But what I noticed was that they were very curious about me and the new Sri Lankan Government. They offered us luck, but did not pass any judgment. However, this time, there was genuine appreciation over the steps we have taken and they all offered to support us. The support of the international community is not only strength but also a blessing," he said.

Addressing the UNGA on 21 September the President emphasized the government's commitment to empower our youth with the best knowledge in the world and to make Sri Lanka an exemplary democracy in the world. "My government will fulfil its responsibilities towards the people and I seek your assistance and blessings in this noble endeavour," he said.

Speaking philosophically, President Sirisena pointed out that in many parts of the world we see the unfortunate proliferation of anger, hatred, and brutality. The contemporary society is experiencing a crisis of morality. "I believe that all States should pay heed to the cry for moral values. I believe that every society must dedicate itself to raise its share of positive moral values."

Theravada Buddhism

The President pointing out that Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country, where Theravada Buddhism is practised, said that the teachings of the Buddha help us find solutions to many of the burning issues of the contemporary world.

"Similarly, I am sure the wisdom offered by the great world religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and others can help us today. As such, I am of the view that we, as States, can strengthen and foster those religions and philosophies that help us look inward," he told the world leaders.

Apart from President Obama, President Sirisena and Ban Ki-moon, the leaders who received most attention were Myanmar Foreign Minister and de facto Leader Aungsan Suu Kyi, Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Shariiff were prominent. At the same time Nawaz Shariff's attempts to get Ban Ki-moon to refer to current tension in Kashmir failed as the UN Secretary General focused more on Syria.