Sending vital aid to Palestinians: Sri Lankan Activist Mehboobdeen joins mission unthinkable to Gaza

A picture of the Global Sumud Flotilla (Picture courtesy Jacobin)

Sameera Mehboobdeen (second from left) attending a press conference organised by the Free Palestine Movement of Sri Lanka at the Embassy of Palestine on April 20 to raise awareness about the mission to deliver aid to people in Gaza (Pic by Zainab Hussein) 

• Sameera Mehboobdeen joins a powerful call for humanity as Sri Lanka’s delegate
• The Sri Lankan will engage in this humanitarian mission with the aim of expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine
• Mehboobdeen, who has had a long-standing commitment to the Palestinian cause, will join 800 other activists from 48 countries

It is important to remember that this is not our story, it is theirs and we are only here to amplify their voices, ensure their struggles are heard, and keep Palestine firmly in global consciousness. I hope to convey the message of Sri Lankan solidarity to the people of Palestine, and build meaningful connections with global activists and movements working toward peace and justice - Sameera Mehboobdeen, Sri Lankan representative in the Global Sumud Flotilla Spring Mission for Gaza 2026

In an endeavour to break the illegal siege of Gaza and deliver much-needed aid to the people of Palestine, Sameera Mehboobdeen is set to represent Sri Lanka in the Global Sumud Flotilla Spring Mission for Gaza 2026. The Free Palestine Movement of Sri Lanka organised a press conference at the Embassy of Palestine on April 20 (Monday) to raise awareness about the mission, highlight its humanitarian objectives, and express solidarity with the people of Palestine. 

Tassy Dahlan, member of the Free Palestine Movement explained that the genocide didn’t begin on October 7, 2023, but is part of a conflict spanning over 75 years. She questioned the legitimacy of Israel’s actions, asking who granted it the authority to occupy another sovereign nation, deprive its people of basic necessities, carry out attacks on innocent civilians, and obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid. “Our beloved friend, Sameera Mehboobdeen joins a powerful call for humanity as Sri Lanka’s delegate, preparing to set sail in the Global Sumud Flotilla this year alongside 800 other activists from 48 countries-marking a historic moment of courage and compassion,” she remarked. 

Reflecting on Mehboobdeen’s long-standing commitment to the Palestinian cause, Dahlan stated that this mission allows her to turn that passion into meaningful action by directly supporting Palestinians in need. She concluded by expressing hope for Mehboobdeen’s success and anticipation for the day the flotilla reaches Gaza to break the decade’s long siege and deliver vital aid to the starving and oppressed people of Gaza. 

Need for collective action

Mehboobdeen spoke about the ongoing genocide and emphasised the urgent need for collective action. She noted that the mission to deliver aid to Palestinians is not only humanitarian in nature, but also a powerful expression of solidarity. “My participation reflects the efforts of countless Sri Lankans who have bravely fought against the Israeli invasion and consistently advocated for the Palestinian cause. However, it is important to remember that this is not our story, it is theirs and we are only here to amplify their voices, ensure their struggles are heard, and keep Palestine firmly in global consciousness. I hope to convey the message of Sri Lankan solidarity to the people of Palestine, and build meaningful connections with global activists and movements working toward peace and justice. 

The audience was not provided with information regarding the flotilla’s departure date or route due to security concerns.

Attorney-at-Law and Frontline Socialist Party member Nuwan Bopage noted, “Even the Sri Lankans who ignored the suffering of the Palestinians, believing that it wasn’t their problem and that they would not be affected by the war ultimately ended up in petrol queues, experiencing the broader impact of a global crisis. We have gathered here to unite in condemning the human rights violations committed by Israel, and clearly state that we do not take a neutral stance, but stand in complete solidarity with the Palestinian people. Sameera is about to confront one of the world’s most ruthless forces-an army known for brutal violence against innocent civilians including children. It is a dangerous journey that puts her life at serious risk. We pray that she succeeds in her task and returns home safely.”

Member of Parliament, Dr. Najith Indika stated that successive Sri Lankan Governments have consistently supported the Palestinian cause. “Policymakers in Sri Lanka have long recognised it as the most devastating humanitarian crisis of modern times. Despite political differences, all parties-including the current NPP administration-have remained united in solidarity with the people of Palestine throughout the decades.” he said, emphasising Sri Lanka’s history of supporting a free Palestine. He affirmed that this struggle will continue even in the future until lasting peace is achieved.

Jeana De Zoysa, Member of the Free Palestine Movement, explained that the mission is also driven by concerns over what she described as an ongoing Zionist expansion and a sense of impunity evident even within certain parts of Sri Lanka. “President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently reiterated his commitment to the Palestinian cause. We would like to remind everyone that if Sameera’s vessel were to be intercepted in international waters by Israeli forces, we will call on the government to take concrete action rather than making empty statements for her safety and release,” She concluded by urging the public to stand in solidarity with Palestine and support efforts to ensure Sameera’s safe return to Sri Lanka.