Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday, 5 March 2026 04:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday said Sri Lanka must neither serve as an intermediary for hostile interests nor become a victim of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, stressing that the country’s position is firmly anchored in peace and diplomacy.
Responding to queries at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing, he underscored that Sri Lanka stands ready to support efforts aimed at ending hostilities, whether through formal diplomatic channels or other appropriate interventions.
“Sri Lanka should not become a pawn or a victim in this war. We are committed to preventing these conflicts through words and deeds,” he said.
He also expressed condolences to all those who have lost their lives; leaders, diplomats, ordinary people, schoolchildren, and small children on all sides of the conflict. “Our hope is that these conflicts will end soon and that all parties will resolve their differences through negotiations,” Dr. Jayatissa said.
He noted that the international institutions established in the aftermath of World War II were designed precisely to prevent such crises, and as a member of the global community, Sri Lanka bears a responsibility to support peace-building initiatives.
“With modern technology, conflicts are no longer limited to one geographical area, and we cannot predict when or where they may escalate. As a nation, we will do everything we can through requests or actions to intervene,” he added, warning that contemporary warfare carries far-reaching and unpredictable consequences.
Dr. Jayatissa also drew attention to the potential risks faced by Sri Lankans living and working abroad, as well as the broader economic repercussions of prolonged instability.
He cautioned that conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global trade, energy markets, and economic recovery efforts worldwide. “War has never brought progress and it is always the common people who suffer,” he said, reiterating that Sri Lanka’s stance is clear and consistent.
