Sri Lanka has always supported a two-states solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said in a statement condemning the “unprecedented” attack by Hamas, calling for an immediate end to the fighting and also expressing concern over fuel prices and the impact on developing economies.
“The fighting and violence must be brought to an end immediately. Sri Lanka is in agreement with the African Union proposal. There is another impact of this crisis. The petrol prices were expected to rise to 100 US dollars per barrel and thereafter recede from end February. This crisis will only create a further shortage of fuel ensuring that fuel prices will remain high for a longer time. This is a big blow to the developing economies,” a statement from the president’s media division (PMD) said quoting WIckremesinghe on Monday October 09.
Wickremesinghe had made these remarks to the cabinet of ministers in a meeting on Monday, according to the statement.
“There are many Sri Lankans working in Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must locate them and ensure their safety. There are a number of Israelis in Sri Lanka – some are tourists and some are employed. We must help them to travel back to Israel. I have also asked the Police to look after the Israelis here,” he said.
Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry said on Monday that Information on Sri Lankans working in Israel, which is currently in the midst of an escalating crisis, can be obtained on WhatsApp on 0094716640560.
There are reportedly some 8,000 Sri Lankans working in Israel.
“Sri Lanka has always supported the two-states concept of Israel and Palestine. We are steadfast in our support. At times we have condemned Israel’s actions. Nevertheless, all this does not justify Hamas’ attack on Israel killing a large number of civilians. The government of Sri Lanka condemns this unprecedented attack,” Wickremesinghe was quoted as saying.
