News
President says Palestinian suffering unacceptable
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday said that the immense loss of civilian lives, suffering, and the ongoing destruction, lasting for over a year in the Palestinian territories and across West Asia, was unacceptable and intolerable.
He made this observation in a message issued to mark the United Nations Day for Solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s steadfast support for the people of Palestine and acknowledging the enduring hardships faced by Palestinians throughout decades, the President said Sri Lanka had continuously voiced serious concerns about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza at multiple multilateral fora, supporting the call for an immediate ceasefire.
Among those who attended the event were religious dignitaries, political leaders and diplomats. Pis by Akila Jayawardena
The President said the UN day served as a reminder that the world must not turn away from the struggle of Palestinians or the pursuit of a peaceful and equitable resolution, firmly grounded in international law and the right to self-determination. “The dangerous escalation of the crisis and its far-reaching impact worldwide has made the seven-decade-long quest to find a just and peaceful solution to the Palestinian situation even more critical.”
Noting the existential threat against the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the President said it was disappointing and disheartening to see the humanitarian services that sustained the lives of the refugees were on the verge of collapse.
The President urged the international community to set aside divisions and unite in a collective voice to prevent further escalation of hostility, reaching a consensus decision at this critical juncture. “In solidarity, governments, organisations, and individuals must act together to support efforts towards a fair and enduring peace—one that ensures both Palestinians and Israelis can coexist with mutual respect, security, and opportunity.”
He concluded his message by reaffirming Sri Lanka’s “unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine” during these challenging times and in their pursuit of statehood. “Sri Lanka reiterates its steadfast support for a negotiated settlement in accordance with relevant UN resolutions, including a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders,” the President said.
The President’s message was read out at an event organised by the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine (SLCSP) at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute on Friday.
In his welcome speech, Minister Bimal Ratnayake, who is the co-chairman of the SLCSP, denounced Zionist expansionist policies in the occupied Palestinian territories. Also addressing the event were Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, the United Nations Resident Coordinator Marc-Andre Franche and the Palestinian Charge d’ Affaires Hisham Abutaha.
The keynote speeches were delivered by Prof. Arjuna Parakrama and Prof. Liyanage Amarkeerthi.
The event included a book launch by former parliamentarian Imthiaz Bakeer Markar. The book in Sinhala was titled ‘Palesteenaya’ and is a compilation of speeches made by the author in Parliament in support of the Palestinian cause.
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