RAMALLAH, June 11, 2025 (WAFA) – Palestine’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ihab Tarayreh, met with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya on Wednesday to brief her on the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

During the meeting in Colombo, Ambassador Tarayreh described the widespread destruction across Gaza, highlighting the collapse of vital infrastructure, the decimation of hospitals and schools, and the soaring civilian death toll — particularly among women and children — as famine worsens due to Israel's blockade and ongoing attacks on aid distribution points.

Tarayreh stressed the urgent need to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), saying the agency plays an irreplaceable role in providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees both in the occupied territories and in the diaspora.

He also conveyed greetings from the Palestinian leadership and praised Sri Lanka’s consistent support for Palestinian rights. He expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Amarasuriya’s participation last month as guest of honor in commemorations marking the 77th anniversary of the Nakba in Colombo, calling the gesture "deeply meaningful at both political and humanitarian levels."

The ambassador updated the prime minister on diplomatic efforts aimed at halting the violence and on preparations for an international peace conference set to take place this month, jointly led by Saudi Arabia and France.

Prime Minister Amarasuriya reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause, reiterating her country’s commitment to a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.

“What’s happening in Gaza is simply unacceptable,” she said. “Innocent people are being targeted without reason. This is a serious moral burden on the international community. A solution must be found, and we support all efforts aimed at ending the violence and realizing a just and lasting peace.”

Y.S