Colombo (LNW): During a Cabinet briefing, President Ranil Wickremesinghe discussed the recent unrest in Israel and its potential impact on Sri Lankans and Israelis living in both nations.
Stressing the importance of taking swift measures to guarantee the safety of Sri Lankans employed in Israel, the President instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm their safety.
Wickremesinghe advocated for aiding Israelis in Sri Lanka, whether tourists or workers, in their return to Israel, and emphasised that the security for Israelis in Sri Lanka must be ensured.
While the President reiterated Sri Lanka’s sustained endorsement of a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, he denounced the recent Hamas offensive on Israel. He maintained that even though Sri Lanka had previously criticised Israel’s actions, such assaults were indefensible.
Urging an immediate end to the hostilities, President Wickremesinghe aligned with the African Union’s stance and highlighted the global repercussions of the conflict on oil prices.
He expressed concerns that the ongoing strife could result in sustained high fuel costs, negatively impacting developing nations, including Sri Lanka.
Overall, the President’s remarks reflect Sri Lanka’s dedication to regional peace and its commitment to safeguarding its residents and foreign nationals during such crises.
