The United Nations (UN) says post-conflict Sri Lanka has made significant progress in relation to the resettlement, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in a short span of slightly over five years and the agency is continuing its work with the Sri Lankan government to resolve remaining issues.

Addressing a function to mark the 69th UN Day in Colombo on Friday, UN Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Subinay Nandy said Sri Lanka has taken commendable steps for the resettlement of displaced persons and to develop property that were damaged due to the terrorism.

He added that development in the infrastructure and facilities available in the North and East today is significantly notable.

Furthermore, Sri Lanka has made significant strides in achieving millennium development goals, Nandy noted. Sri Lanka has become the best country in the region that has a better environment for children and gender equality.

He said however, the UN work at present strongly emphasizes on peace and reconciliation agenda and the agency is working with the Sri Lankan Government to address post conflict issues.

Nandy said with the UN's strategy of comprehensive engagement, the agency, along with the humanitarian and development issues, also engages in more challenging areas of political dialogue, human rights and peace building to promote reconciliation and peaceful co-existence among communities.

The UN representative encouraged Sri Lanka to continue making progress on the post conflict agenda, including issues of political dialogue, inclusive governance, reconciliation and accountability.

Executive director of the Institute for Policy Studies Dr. Saman Kelegama also spoke at the occasion. Minister of External Affairs Professor GL Peiris also attended the event. (PRIU)