Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa has reiterated his support for India’s long-standing bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), describing it as a recognition of “global power realities.”

Speaking to ANI during his ongoing visit to India, Premadasa said India’s inclusion in the UNSC “would be a recognition of the practical realities of international politics.”

“Years before, it was I who spoke openly about India being given a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. So it’s an old topic for me,” he said. “I will continue to support that effort, and I think that is a practical exposition of global power realities. You cannot discard India. You cannot marginalise India. India’s representation at the UNSC would be a recognition of the practical realities of international politics.”

Premadasa’s remarks come as India continues to press for reforms in the Security Council to make it more inclusive of emerging powers and developing nations.

When asked about Sri Lanka’s position in the context of the India-China relationship, Premadasa stressed that Colombo values its “special strategic relationship” with New Delhi while maintaining ties with all countries.