Thu, 28 Mar 2024 Today's Paper

PM says Palestinian people’s legitimate right to statehood must be upheld

17 May 2021 06:16 pm - 19     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today said that the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to statehood must be upheld amidst escalating tension between Palestine and Israel which had claimed many lives in recent weeks.

Rajapaksa said he was deeply concerned about the latest outbreak of hostilities within the Israeli-Palestinian region, which had already caused untold suffering for the people on both sides of the conflict.

"Apart from causing much harm and misery to the people living within the territories concerned, including the deaths of many children, this is a conflict that has the potential to spill over into the neighbouring region, thus igniting a conflagration that would have catastrophic consequences for the entire world," Rajapaksa said.

"As a long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause and the Founder President of the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine, I have always held the position that the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to statehood must be upheld. The preservation of the rights of the people is important for the assertion of their identity as a distinct people. For a durable solution to the Palestine question, it is imperative to recognize the legitimate and sensitive security concerns of both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples," the Prime Minister added.

Rajapaksa further said Sri Lanka stands by its position that it is only by the peoples of Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace, security and mutual recognition, with all matters resolved permanently through negotiations, that the legitimate aspirations of both parties and sustainable peace can be achieved – a truism highlighted by the latest outbreak of hostilities.

"It is my sincere belief that the Israeli-Palestinian region is Holy Land that is sacred to people of many faiths from around the world, in fact to all of humanity. As such, I earnestly urge both sides to show restraint and de-escalate hostilities and commence negotiations for a ceasefire," Rajapaksa said. (JAMILA HUSAIN)


Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 19

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • RoaringCreek Monday, 17 May 2021 06:29 PM

    Ah! What about the Tamils then.

    SRI LANKAN Monday, 17 May 2021 06:39 PM

    Finally Sri Lankan understanding the plight of Palestinians!

    kumar Monday, 17 May 2021 06:46 PM

    Pls Practice what you preach,

    Dinesh Monday, 17 May 2021 07:00 PM

    He. Charity begins at home

    GGT Monday, 17 May 2021 07:01 PM

    A true leader Hon'ble Mahinda Rajapaksa as same as many years ago voiced for the Palestinian people and for their legitimate rights.

    VJ Monday, 17 May 2021 07:09 PM

    Well said Mr.PM. The Palestinians will not have any land left to makeup a state considering the scale of the illegal expansion into legitimate Palestine territory by the Israelis.

    Ranaweera Monday, 17 May 2021 07:13 PM

    Recent clashes were triggered by Hamas terrorists.

    Sam Silva Monday, 17 May 2021 07:26 PM

    please clean our garbage at home before you comment something that you are clueless.

    Potta Harry Monday, 17 May 2021 07:30 PM

    We are losing sovergnity to China

    Bernard Monday, 17 May 2021 07:44 PM

    What about the legitimate rights of the Jews to live in their own country?

    Esther Cohen, European Jew Monday, 17 May 2021 07:51 PM

    For the very first time I agree with the PM. But to be honest, I don't think anyone cares about the opinion of the pot calling the kettle black. Yes, the world should not ignore the illigal occupation of Palestina by Israël anymore. But Rajapaksa is the last person to impose his opinion and I don't think anyone will take notice of him

    Joshua Monday, 17 May 2021 07:51 PM

    Ha haa. First see what you are doing in SL before talking about other countries....

    Ronnie Bugger Monday, 17 May 2021 08:06 PM

    Hey, hello, look here - let the Palestinians and Israel sort out their differences, they do not need your opinion. Like the saying goes - rata gini gannawa, keka denda hadanawa.

    Hum bug Monday, 17 May 2021 08:09 PM

    Oh practice what you preach..what about the treatment of the minorities in sri lanka. Speak about how you will iradicate covid in your country

    Terrence Monday, 17 May 2021 08:13 PM

    Practicing something different from what they preach Wasi Patthata Hoiya

    Nisa Monday, 17 May 2021 08:18 PM

    It's the Muslim countries always come to scratch your back while Isreal won't give a damn.

    Lumbini Tuesday, 18 May 2021 07:11 AM

    Just give priority to domestic issues, please. We are dying here.

    King Tuesday, 18 May 2021 07:22 AM

    Bernard. Get your facts right. Take a history lesson.

    Ramesh Tuesday, 18 May 2021 07:41 AM

    Sir there is no legitimate right to the Tamils to commemorate their beloved ones who died in Mullivaikkal. Before you open your mouth think what you are practicing in Sri Lanka.


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment





Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

VAT increase: SOUNDs death knell for publishers, readers

Though the Government imposed VAT (Value Added Tax) on vegetables and other e

How female change-makers are driving Sri Lanka’s energy saving platform

Saving energy has become more of a responsibility than a habit in today’s c

A dull Ramadan awaits Muslims amidst the Soaring Cost of Living

In the coming days, Muslims across the world will welcome the Holy Month of R

New wildlife underpass to curtail HEC

As of February 2024, Sri Lanka lost another 38 elephants as a result of the H