He added that world leaders should study the life and work of Mandela who demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities.The President was addressing the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit which was held on the sidelines of 73rd United Nations General Assembly in New York yesterday. “The world should be guided by his leadership qualities and follow in the path of this extra ordinary leader,” the President added. The President added that former South African leader Mandela set many examples on giving up or limiting of powers centric on him.

President Maithripala Sirisena thanked the United Nations for organising the Mandela Peace Summit, who devoted his entire life for peace and reconciliation.The focus of the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit is on Global Peace in honour of the birth centenary of Nelson Mandela. This Peace Summit offered the opportunity for world leaders to renew their commitment to global peace, conflict prevention, conflict resolution, peace building, promotion and protection of human rights and long-term development initiatives.