Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vijitha Herath, has reiterated the country’s deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the broader impact of the Middle East conflict, particularly in Lebanon. Speaking at an interaction with the Colombo-based Diplomatic Corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday (14) , Minister Herath called for an immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian assistance to those affected by the ongoing violence.
Hon. Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka strongly advocates for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and a sustainable resolution to the conflict. “On the international front, we continue to remain highly concerned about the current global situation, particularly in the Middle East region. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is turning more dire by the day, and recent developments that have an impact on wider regional dimensions, in particular in Lebanon are most concerning. We continue our call for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and a sustainable two-state solution that includes the establishment of an independent sovereign and viable State of Palestine, based on the 1967 borders, in line with relevant UN resolutions as well as ensuring the security of Israel,” the Minister stated.
The Minister underscored the commitments of Sri Lankan peacekeepers in United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).” We deeply regret the attacks that injured two of our peacekeepers in United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). We are proud of our peacekeepers who serve in several challenging UN Missions and it is important that the obligation of all parties to respect UN personnel and UN premises is respected” he said.
