Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has called upon the world leaders to follow in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps, who showed the correct path by his humanitarian qualities and love for the people.

Addressing the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit held on the sidelines of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly in New York Monday night.

President Sirisena said Mandela was a great statesman and epitome of reconciliation.

He thanked the UN Secretary General and others for organizing the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit to honor such a great humanitarian leader who showed the path of true reconciliation to the world.

Sirisena said Mandela was a leader who showed how to use power for the benefit of the people and give up power without any greed for power and added that there is a dearth of such leaders today.