As world leaders gathered in New York for the High-Level Week of the 81st UN General Assembly, a “breaking news” post began circulating in Sri Lanka claiming that the country had been removed from the United Nations. The posts carried a photo of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake beside the UN emblem, and they played on public anxiety about Sri Lanka’s standing in the world. Here are the posts that carried out the claim.
Social Media Posts:
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Fact-Check:
Had the UN removed Sri Lanka, or any member state, it would have been major news across local and international media. No credible local or international news organisation reported that the UN had removed Sri Lanka or planned to do so.
The posts surfaced during the General Assembly’s High-Level Week. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath led the Sri Lankan delegation to the 81st session from September 27 to 30. He delivered Sri Lanka’s national statement to the General Debate in New York on September 28.
Sri Lanka Has Been a UN Member Since 1955
The official UN website is the primary source for checking the status of member states. It lists Sri Lanka among the 193 member states, with a date of admission of December 14, 1955.
Official United Nations Website
Sri Lanka also took part in UN business throughout 2026. On June 26, Permanent Representative to the UN in New York Jayantha Jayasuriya delivered a national statement at an informal...
As world leaders gathered in New York for the High-Level Week of the 81st UN General Assembly, a “breaking news” post began circulating in Sri Lanka claiming that the country had been removed from ...