Sri Lanka conveys appreciation of Palestine’s support at international fora

The Speaker of Sri Lanka’s Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, recalling that Sri Lanka supported the State of Palestine to join as a full-fledged member of UNESCO, this week expressed its appreciation that Palestine was extending all support to Sri Lanka.

Delivering a speech as the Chief Guest at the UN Day for Solidarity with Palestine at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute Auditorium on Monday, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said Sri Lanka extended support for the early realisation of a sovereign, independent, viable and united State of Palestine existing within secure and recognised borders side by side and at peace with Israel.

He said Sri Lanka, with much appreciation, noted that the State of Palestine reciprocates all support to Sri Lanka, voting at all international bodies to support Sri Lanka’s candidacy and continues to have a close and warm friendship between the two countries, further lobbying for Sri Lanka to gain membership within the Executive Committee of UNESCO.

The Speaker noted that the State of Palestine appreciates the consistent goodwill and support it has received from Sri Lanka throughout its struggle for international recognition, and should always be counted on as a steadfast friend of Sri Lanka. For many years Sri Lanka had worked very closely with the aspirations of the Palestinian people, he said.

He pointed out that friendly relations between Palestine and Sri Lanka commenced in the early ’70s and this solidarity with Palestine had strengthened although there were numerous threats and barriers.

The Speaker recalled that the opening of the PLO embassy in Colombo in July 1975 was a significant milestone in this respect and Palestine was supported by Sri Lanka which continues to be a strong advocate for the Palestinian cause.

At the same time Sri Lanka chaired the UN Committee on Human Rights of Palestinians for 38 years. It is a unique record, especially since Sri Lanka is a non-Muslim country, the Speaker highlighted.

He said several fields appropriate for close collaboration between Sri Lanka and Palestine had been identified. These included mutual support at international fora, especially in the context of Sri Lanka’s focus on strengthening bilateral relations with the Arab world, stronger links between both countries in the areas of economic collaboration, political consultations, technical co-operation and the training of primary education teachers.

There are projects launched such as organic farming in Sri Lanka with Palestinian expertise. Palestine is providing scholarships annually to Sri Lankan students while Sri Lanka is accommodating Palestinian graduates for postgraduate studies at Sri Lankan universities.

The Sri Lankan Speaker expressed hope that the people of Palestine would achieve what they are struggling for without further delay and wished Palestinians every success in their endeavours.