- a delegation led by H.E. the President, participated at the above Conference. Addressing the Conference H.E. the President drew the attention to Asia being a vibrant and dynamic region with increased international focus, and bringing a multitude opportunities and challenges from both within the region as well as from external sources. His Excellency had also stated that external forces under the guise of democracy, have sought to interfere in the domestic affairs of sovereign countries, resulting in de-stabilizing these nations and regions. At the meeting with the UN Secretary General, the latter had congratulated Sri Lanka on the successful conclusion of the World Youth Conference and had observed that Sri Lanka has made much progress to economically and socially develop the country. The above information was provided by Hon. (Prof.) G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs.