"We Must Unite as Friends of the Global South and Stand with Patriotic Nations” – Uvdu Wijeweera

Nov 16, 2025 at 11:10 AM

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Lanka Leader

Second-generation political leader Uvdu Wijeweera emphasized the importance of organizing as allies of the Global South and strengthening solidarity with patriotic nations.

He made these remarks while participating in the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War, which marked the defeat of German fascism and Japanese militarism.

The event was attended by Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan S. Jagarian, Communist Party of Lanka Secretary Dr. G. Weerasinghe, and several other distinguished guests.

Below is the speech delivered by Uvdu Wijeweera at the commemorative celebration.

The Venerable Maha Sangha,

His Excellency Livan Simeonovich Jagaryan, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation, and members of the diplomatic corps,

His Excellency Mei Jing, Counsellor of the People’s Republic of China, and members of the diplomatic corps,

Distinguished guests, friends, and all who are present here today,

We gather here to commemorate the 80th anniversary of a victory that reshaped the destiny of humanity—the triumph over German fascism and Japanese militarism. It was a victory won through unimaginable sacrifice. The Soviet Union, whose legacy lives on in today’s Russian Federation, endured the loss of 27 million lives. The Chinese people, in their heroic resistance, sacrificed nearly 40 million. Their courage and unwavering resolve broke the chains of fascism and secured freedom not only for their homelands but for the entire world.

As citizens of a nation that emerged from colonial domination in the aftermath of these global struggles, we, the people of Sri Lanka, feel the profound weight and value of that freedom. Even today, as we continue to face the pressures and challenges of neo-imperialism, we recognize how pivotal those sacrifices were in shaping the dignity and sovereignty of nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Today, the attempts by imperialist powers to erase or undermine the achievements of those heroic peoples only highlight their enduring significance. The strength of modern Russia and China—their economic vitality, scientific progress, industrial development, and social resilience—stands as living proof of the victories won eight decades ago.

We hold this commemoration today as friends of the Global South. Because in this new international era, China, Russia, India, Brazil, South Africa, and many other nations of the Global South are uniting along the path toward a multipolar world—a world where sovereignty is respected, economies are protected, and nations are free to choose their own destiny.

Sri Lanka, as a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement and as a people striving to secure full sovereignty, must stand firmly among those who seek fairness, justice, and balance in global affairs. It is with this conviction that we have established the Organization of Friends of the Global South—to understand the changing global landscape, to strengthen our partnerships with nations that have stood by us, and to encourage our people to engage with new and dynamic international groupings such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Today, more than ever, the moment has come for us to align ourselves with the emerging great powers of the world—Russia, China, India, Brazil, Iran, and the broader community of the Global South—to build a new world that is just, equitable, and free from domination.

That is the purpose of this gathering. That is the message of this commemoration. And that is the path we, as Friends of the Global South, dedicate ourselves to pursuing.

Thank you.