Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged the lifting of the blockade to allow the delivery of food and medical aid to those suffering from starvation and illness.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a packed audience in Colombo on Thursday, May 15, at an event marking the 77th Anniversary of the Nakba, under the United Nations theme: “International Action Towards Ending the Nakba and Realizing the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.”
The commemoration was organised by the Embassy of Palestine in cooperation with the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine, and was presided over by Palestinian Ambassador Ihab I.M. Khalil.
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, Minister Bimal Rathnayake, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine Jassim Jaber Al-Sorour, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator, SLMC Leader Rauff Hakeem, All Ceylon Muslim Congress Leader Rishad Bathiudeen, and Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam.
Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s longstanding support for the Palestinian people, Prime Minister Amarasuriya reiterated the country’s consistent stance in favour of a two-state solution at both local and international fora.
Minister Bimal Rathnayake emphasized that the current context offers a timely opportunity for lawmakers to renew efforts to campaign for a free Palestinian state, while MP Rauff Hakeem stressed the importance of Sri Lanka taking a firm and unequivocal stand in support of Palestine on the world stage.
Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih, also in attendance, condemned the ongoing violence, stating: “We are witnessing a human tragedy. This must stop immediately to prevent further loss of innocent lives—men, women, and children.”
The gathering served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine and the need for sustained international solidarity and action.
