Dr. M.M.M. Rushanudeen, Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of Sri Lanka, is contesting for the position of Vice President at the World Federation of United Nations Associations, marking the first time a Sri Lankan candidate has pursued this role.
Dr. M.M.M. Rushanudeen has been nominated by the United Nations Association of Sri Lanka (UNA-Sri Lanka) to contest for the Vice Presidency of the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA). The position will be decided at WFUNA's 44th Plenary Assembly, scheduled to take place at the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva from August 23-30, 2026. If elected, Rushanudeen would also serve as head of the Sri Lankan delegation to the assembly.
This represents a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, as it is the first time in the organization's 76-year history that a national candidate has sought the Vice Presidential position. Seven countries are competing for the role, including Somalia, Iceland, Colombia, the United States, Tanzania, and Pakistan. According to UNA-Sri Lanka, the candidate will require a two-thirds majority vote from member countries worldwide to secure election.
Rushanudeen has held senior positions within UNA-Sri Lanka since joining as a volunteer in 1985. He progressed through various roles, including Assistant Secretary-General and Senior Vice Chairperson, before assuming his current position as Secretary-General in 2025. He has also attended WFUNA's 42nd Plenary Assembly in 2018. Beyond his UN work, Rushanudeen is described as a businessman, journalist, justice of the peace, and human rights activist.
The nomination was proposed by UNA-Sri Lanka and seconded by the People's Republic of China. UNA-Sri Lanka itself was founded in 1950 and affiliated with WFUNA in 1951. Other delegation members accompanying Rushanudeen include senior officials from the national UNA organization.
