SL to give Palastine US$ 1 Mn

14 August 2014 08:41 am

President Mahinda Rajapaksa today announced that Sri Lanka will provide 1 million US dollars in financial assistance to Palestine.

President Rajapaksa has been a long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause and is the Founder President of the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine.

“It is my hope that the violence in Gaza is halted and peace prevails in the region,” President Rajapaksa said. In January, President Rajapaksa made his first visit to Palestine. Sri Lanka recognised Palestine as a state in 1988.

During that visit, the Government of Palestine conferred President Rajapaksa with the “Star of Palestine” – the highest award of the State of Palestine – for the President’s continued support and commitment to the Palestinian cause.