The Sri Lanka-United Nations Friendship Organisation (SUNFO) was formed on 22nd May, 1999 (The National Heroes Day in Sri Lanka) by signing the inaugural declaration of SUNFO in Colombo, Sri Lanka, by founder members of SUNFO with the patronage of the Hon. Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka Hon. Dr. K. B. Rathnayake MP and with the blessings of His Excellency Peter Witham – United Nations Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka.
SUNFO was founded with the endeavor to unite all people into a movement working for the well-being, harmony and peace of mankind according to the principles of the United Nations(UN), and with the intention of motivating, promoting and building awareness among the general public and youth about the values, principles and policies according to the declaration of UN. Since then thousands of people from across the country and overseas, have joined SUNFO with the shared objective of building a non-political, non-racial and non-sectarian peoples movement that seeks to work for the well-being, harmony and Peace of mankind according to the principles of the United Nations. It is also noteworthy that over one million people have participated in SUNFO activities, programs and initiatives during 1999-2016.
18th February 2017, marks a significant day in the SUNFO calendar of events, as the organization led by the Director General of SUNFO, Peace Ambassador Dr. Sir Deshapriya S. Wijetunge, unveiled its volunteer programs for the year 2017-2018 named as “ SUN Force Official volunteer brigades”. These programs were launched with the primary objective of developing the nation and promoting global cooperation by expanding friendship, social understanding between the people of Sri Lanka and other friendly Nations in the world. The Global Village, a unique initiative of SUNFO was a highlight on the agenda, where Chartered Architect Ranga Soysa presented the several year dedication towards planning this unique global village, while year 2018 is expected to be the launch year where all nations will be invited to built their cultural centres in the proposed site in Sri Lanka.
Apart from the above initiative, the development plans in collaboration with professionals, students and organisations were shared at this gathering, mainly focusing on sustainable development, women empowerment, youth development, installation of the Nelson Mandela monument, the Mahatma Ghandi – Peace and Harmony program, Anti drug abuse and Europe Sri Lanka relationship development initiatives, where each of the respective brigade leaders presented their future plans for the successful implementation of these programs. The media initiatives led by Anjana Gunatillake were shared which was to be focused on bringing awareness to the public and the nation in general. SUNFO Director General Peace Ambassador Dr. Sir Deshapriya S. Wijetunge said ‘I am pleased to share our initiatives to bring together all nations towards peace, harmony and overall development and look forward to the support of all the volunteer teams, organizations, members of government and the general public to help us in these endeavours’
The event was graced by professionals, government representatives, youth, academics and supporting organizations, chaired by Dr. Sir Romesh Jayasinghe(Secretary for Parliamentary Relations in the Council of Inter-Parliamentary Relations Council-Vienna) and special invited Guest of Honours Prof. Dr. Sir Lakshman Madurasinghe (Chairman –Board of Trustees, Board Member-EDU Brussles), Sasanamamaka Jeewanashuree Victor Ranasinghe (President-SUNFO) and Deshamanya Sunil Liyanarahchi (Chairman-SAARC Chamber of Construction/ President-Construction Sectorial Council), Dr.Mrs Neela Gunasekera( Chartered Town Planner/former Chairman-National Women’s Committee), Dr. Dexter Fernando (Chairman-Peace Development Organization) and Squadron Leader Kelum Weerawardhana Rtd (Secretary Institution of Engineers.)
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