President Reminds Global leaders of “lub-dub” Rhythm in the Face of Challenges

At the 2025 World Governments Summit in the United Arab Emirates, President Anura Kumara Disanayake of Sri Lanka delivered a compelling address that underscored the urgency of uniting global citizens to tackle transnational challenges. Speaking on the sidelines of the summit on the 12th, the President stressed that global climate issues are knocking on everyone’s doors—irrespective of wealth or status—and that a collective response is imperative for the future of our planet.

President Disanayake’s remarks resonated with the summit’s overarching theme of building sustainable economies and inclusive governance. “We must come together as global citizens to rebuild the world,” he asserted, drawing on the words of Martin Luther King Jr.: “We must learn to live together as brothers.” His call for unity was not just about environmental concerns; it also extended to economic reforms, social justice, and the protection of human rights.

In his speech, the President outlined Sri Lanka’s vision for economic growth, innovation, and governance reforms. He reiterated his nation’s commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation. A significant part of his agenda involves digital transformation—an area where Sri Lanka is actively collaborating with global technology leaders. Earlier today, during a high-profile meeting at the summit, President Disanayake engaged in a detailed discussion with Mr. Mike Sisiliya, Executive Vice Chairman of Oracle Corporation. The conversation focused on advancing Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure through the implementation of cloud facilities, fintech services, and e-governance initiatives aimed at enhancing economic and administrative efficiency..

Oracle Support 

Oracle Corporation has pledged to provide its cloud infrastructure to support Sri Lanka’s digitalization efforts, ensuring data sovereignty and regulatory compliance. As part of the initiative, President Disanayake has invited Oracle to assume a pivotal role in establishing a sovereign Oracle Cloud system and custodianship for government applications, including e-governance and a national data system. The President also proposed the creation of a digital hub at Colombo Port, which is envisioned to serve as an AI and Cloud center for South Asia—a project that has drawn enthusiastic support from Oracle representatives.

Beyond technological innovation, the President emphasized the necessity of addressing deep-rooted global challenges. He highlighted the precarious state of the international financial system, marked by stringent financial conditions and looming debt repayments, and called for comprehensive financial reforms to create a fairer economic environment. Furthermore, he urged the international community to update the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights to incorporate digital access and environmental rights, ensuring that the evolving challenges of the modern world are met with robust legal frameworks.

President Disanayake also stressed the critical importance of social justice, the rule of law, and the role of a free press and social activists in holding leaders accountable. Addressing the risks posed by automation and robotics, he called for proactive initiatives in education and skills development to mitigate job displacement.

Concluding his remarks, the President evoked the “lub-dub” rhythm of our hearts as a metaphor for unity and resilience. “Just as our hearts beat in unison, so too must we come together to rebuild our world,” he declared, inviting world leaders to take decisive action in the face of global challenges.