Protest in Colombo over attack on food aid ship to Gaza

A protest is underway at the Liberty Circle following Israeli forces attacking an aid ship to Gaza containing prominent activists carrying food to try and end the blockade of resources by the Israeli Government. 

"They were unarmed, carrying hope and a collective humanity for the starving people of Palestine - we demand that these activists be freedom and call on religious leaders across the world to intervene and raise their voices against this genocide," said Rev. Vakandawala Rahula Hamuduruwo.

The June 2025 Gaza Freedom Flotilla was an international maritime effort organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, aiming to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip by delivering a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid. The lead ship, the Madleen, set sail from Catania, Sicily on 1 June 2025, carrying supplies such as baby formula, flour, diapers, medical kits, and prosthetics for children. Among those on board were Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and French Member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan. This mission followed an earlier attempt on 2 May, when the vessel Conscience was targeted by drone-fired projectiles in international waters near Malta. On 8 June, Israeli forces intercepted and boarded the Madleen.

Activists at the protest called on the Sri Lankan government to cut ties with Israel and put an end to illegal businesses being run by Israeli nationals within the country. 
"Our tourism sector survived before them and it can survive without them - it can survive without the economic and cultural occupation they are imposing on our shores," said activist Jeanna de Zoysa.

"Even thought we are gathered here for the Flotilla we need to remember that we represent the calls for freedom from a people that have been under siege for years where just in the last couple of years over 60000 people have been killed," said another activist of the Free Palestine Movement.

The protest was followed by a candlelight vigil for the victims of the ongoing conflict.

Activists will be handing letters to 5 embassies of countries whose nationals were on the ship - France, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany and UK because the vessel was flying the UK flag at the time of capture. The activists aboard have not been heard from since last night.