UN Resident Coordinator Nandy was addressing the Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka Rishad Bathiudeen during his farewell courtesy call on Minister Bathiudeen at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on Jan.11. Nandy, the UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka is leaving for his next assignment in New York, concluding his Colombo stint that began in May 2011. Joining the discussion were Advisor on IDPs Development to Minister Bathiudeen Ms Himali Jinadasa and Human Rights Activist Dr Yousuf Maraikkar.

"Looking at Sri Lanka’s present leadership and their commitment, I am pleased that there’s a frank discussion taking place on securing the status of minorities. In the face of many difficulties, the resilience shown by Sri Lankans is very amazing. In fact, I am not saying good byes right away as such since I shall be coming back to Sri Lanka accompanying United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein in his next month’s visit to Colombo, somewhere in the first-half of February. Among High Commissioner Zeid’s points of focus here would be issues of IDPs in Puttalam and in other areas of the country. He is also pleased with Sri Lanka’s present leadership and their commitment towards the minorities”, said UN Resident Coordinator Nandy,

Minister Bathiudeen and UN Resident Coordinator Nandy also delved into other national development aspects during the discussion.