UNDP Regional office shifting from Colombo to Bangkok

(July 09, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The UNDP Regional Centre closed down in Colombo is being shifted to Bangkok, an UN official in Colombo said.

The Regional Centre was in charge of Asia and Pacific Affairs and has been functioning from Sri Lanka since 2006 after it was shifted from Kathmandu to Colombo due to disturbances there.

An UN statement issued late last night said “The Secretary-General finds it unacceptable that the Sri Lankan authorities have failed to prevent the disruption of the normal functioning of the United Nations offices in Colombo as a result of unruly protests organized and led by a cabinet minister of the Government.

In light of the evolving situation, he is recalling the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Neil Buhne, to New York for consultations. He has also decided that the UNDP Regional Centre in Colombo will be closed.

The Secretary-General calls upon the Government of Sri Lanka to live up to its responsibilities towards the United Nations as host country, so as to ensure continuation of the vital work of the Organization to assist the people of Sri Lanka without any further hindrance.