Call to recall Sri Lankan Ambassador to Israel over media visit

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana  

A controversy has erupted in Parliament over the recent visit by a group of Sri Lankan journalists to the Gaza Strip, accompanied by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel with Opposition MP Mujubur Rahman yesterday calling on the government to recall the ambassador, questioning the legitimacy of the trip and whether it had official approval.   

Raising the issue during a parliamentary session, MP Rahman asked, “Was this media tour organized by the Sri Lankan government? Did the ambassador accompany the journalists as part of an official delegation ?” He went on to assert, “If the ambassador acted without government authorization, he should be recalled immediately.”   

According to Rahman, a senior official from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and a senior lecturer from the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University were also part of the delegation.   

“They claim to have visited Gaza to observe the humanitarian operations carried out by Israeli forces. But where is the humanitarian operation in Gaza?” Rahman questioned, expressing strong skepticism about the nature and intent of the visit.   

Joining the criticism, MP Nizam Kariyappar argued that state officials who participated in the visit may have violated the Establishments Code. He further called for an investigation to determine who organized the trip and under what authority.   

In response, Government MP Lakmali Hemachandra clarified that the tour was not organized by the Sri Lankan government.   

“Foreign missions based in Sri Lanka often invite media personnel to their respective countries. Sometimes these invitations are extended directly; other times, they go through the Foreign Ministry,” she explained.   

Hemachandra cautioned against rash diplomatic actions, adding, “We cannot recall our ambassadors without due cause and risk triggering a diplomatic incident.”   The issue has sparked debate over protocol, diplomatic conduct, and media transparency, with opposition MPs insisting on accountability and the government urging prudence in foreign affairs.