COLOMBO, April 8, 2026 (WAFA) – Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake reaffirmed his country's unwavering support for the rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state. He also condemned the targeting of civilian infrastructure in Arab countries.
This came during his meeting on Wednesday at his office in the Presidential Palace in Colombo with the Council of Arab Ambassadors accredited to Sri Lanka, in the presence of the Palestinian Ambassador, Ihab Al-Tari. The meeting was held at the Council's request to discuss several issues of mutual interest.
A number of Sri Lankan officials participated in the meeting, while the Arab delegation was headed by the Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Khaled Al-Amiri, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, along with members of the Council, including Palestinian Ambassador Ihab Al-Tari, who is also the Palestinian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The two sides discussed Sri Lanka's position on recent developments in the region. The meeting also addressed developments in the Palestinian issue, including the death penalty law for Palestinian prisoners, the violations to which Palestinians are subjected, and the restrictions imposed on freedom of worship at holy sites, such as Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The Sri Lankan President affirmed the deep historical ties between his country and the Arab states, praising Arab support for Sri Lanka, particularly during recent crises. For his part, Ambassador Al-Amiri emphasized the importance of these relations, highlighting the close economic and humanitarian links between the two sides.
President Dissanayake stated that his country condemns the targeting of civilian infrastructure in Arab countries and reiterated his country's unwavering support for the rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state. He affirmed that Sri Lanka will issue a statement condemning the violations against Palestinians and the inhumane and illegal death penalty, which contravenes all international norms and international law, including restrictions on freedom of worship at holy sites for both Muslims and Christians.
K.T
