RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO : Sri Lanka president Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his country’s steadfast support for the people of Palestine while acknowledging the enduring hardships faced by Palestinians throughout decades.
The president’s speech was read out at the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People held in COLOMBO on Friday,29th November.
“ We are deeply concerned about the escalating violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and across the Middle East. The immense loss of civilian lives, suffering and the ongoing destruction, lasting for over a year, is unacceptable and intolerable. Sri Lanka has continuously voiced serious concerns on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza at multiple multilateral fora, supporting the call for an immediate ceasefire.”
“ We urge the international community to set aside divisions and unite in a collective voice toprevent further escalation of hostility, reaching a consensus decision at this critical juncture. In solidarity, governments, organizations, 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,” The president added.
The Welcome Speech was delivered by Bimal Rathnayake Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation and Co – Chairman of the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine.
He reiterated his unwavering stance in support of Palestinian rights, committing to stand against state terrorism that continues to devastate Palestine. He further called on world leaders to take decisive action against the bombing of civilian areas and to back their words with concrete measures.
Premadasa stressed the importance of fostering a future where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully, rooted in brotherhood and reconciliation. He urged global efforts to ensure that the Palestinians’ right to live is upheld and protected.
Charge d’ Affairs Hisham Abutala stressed that the Palestinians will never surrender their rights for injustice and atrocities. “ We will fight till we regain our lost right with the help of our friendly countries”,he added. He also thanked Sri Lanka for the continuous support in the struggle against Israel.
Director, Center for the Study of Human Rights, University of Peradeniya Prof. Arjuna Parakrama, UN Resident Coordinator Mark-Andre Franche and University of Peradeniya Professor, Faculty of Arts Prof. Liyanage Amarakeerthi also addressed the gathering.
Also launched a book “PALESTINEk” written by Imthiaz Bakeer Markar at this ceremony.
Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, Religious dignitaries, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Dr. Rizvi Salih, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliaments, Diplomats, Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine Vice President and Senior Journalist Ameen Izzadeen, Media Personnel’s and large number of Palestine Supporters were present.
Vice President Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine Ms. Hana Ibrahim proposed the vote of thanks.
