At a meeting with Palestinian Ambassador H.E. Ihab Khalil on Monday (2) , Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s “unwavering support” for Palestine’s right to statehood under international law and UN resolutions. Minister Herath also expressed “deep concern” about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, pledging continued advocacy for a negotiated two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.
The Palestinian Ambassador thanked Sri Lanka for its consistent support, highlighting the notable $1 million donation to the Gaza Children’s Fund made under the previous administration of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Yet, this strong public display of solidarity with Palestine comes in stark contrast to Sri Lanka’s warming relationship with Israel. Just days before hosting the Palestinian envoy, Minister Herath held bilateral talks with the newly appointed Israeli Ambassador, Reuven Azar. During the meeting, Herath discussed increasing employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers in Israel and even appealed for amnesty for undocumented Sri Lankan migrants currently residing there.
Ambassador Azar, in turn, praised Sri Lankan laborers and promised to consider further employment integration — effectively strengthening economic ties with a state Sri Lanka simultaneously condemns for its actions in Gaza.
