During a Cabinet briefing, President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed profound concern regarding recent attacks in Israel and their potential impact on Sri Lankans and Israelis residing in both nations.
President Wickremesinghe stressed the urgency of taking immediate action to ensure the safety of Sri Lankans working in Israel. He instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to locate and ensure the well-being of these individuals, as reported by the President’s Media Division (PMD).
Furthermore, he called for assistance in facilitating the return of Israelis, including tourists and employees, from Sri Lanka to Israel. President Wickremesinghe also urged the local police to provide necessary security measures for Israelis within Sri Lanka.
While reiterating Sri Lanka’s longstanding support for the two-state concept of Israel and Palestine, President Wickremesinghe condemned the recent Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in the loss of numerous civilian lives. He emphasized that despite past criticisms of Israel’s actions, such attacks could not be justified.
President Wickremesinghe called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in accordance with the African Union proposal, highlighting the broader consequences of the crisis on global fuel prices. He noted that the ongoing conflict was likely to lead to a prolonged period of high fuel prices, which would adversely affect developing economies, including Sri Lanka.
The President’s statement underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to peace and stability in the region, as well as its concern for the safety and well-being of its citizens and foreign residents during the current crisis, as stated by the PMD.