"We Recognize Palestinian People's Inalienable Right To Their Own State" - Sri Lanka Demands Peace, Justice, and Action for Gaza

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake delivered a heartfelt appeal at the United Nations General Assembly, urging the international community to act decisively to end the suffering in the Gaza Strip and to recommit to global peace.

“We are deeply distressed by the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza,” he said, describing the region as “an open prison full of pain and suffering, echoing with the cries of children and innocent civilians.” He called for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian aid, and the release of hostages from all parties.

President Dissanayake reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s support for the Palestinian people's inalienable right to statehood, while also acknowledging the legal, security, and humanitarian concerns of both Palestinians and Israelis. He urged the early implementation of UN resolutions supporting a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders.

Drawing from Sri Lanka’s own experience of a three-decade civil war, he emphasized the futility of conflict and the enduring pain it leaves behind. “No one who sees the suffering of parents, spouses, and children of war victims would ever dream of another war,” he said.

He condemned the global trend of opportunistic power politics, which he said has turned the lives of civilians into a game. “The duty of a ruler is not to destroy lives, but to protect them,” he declared.

In a powerful reflection on global priorities, President Dissanayake criticized the vast sums spent on warfare while millions suffer from hunger, poor healthcare, and lack of education. “In a world where millions of children die of hunger, we spend millions on weapons,” he said. “What a wonderful world it would be if every inch of this earth could be turned into peaceful communities.”

He concluded with a call for courage, urging nations to speak up for peace and reject the glorification of war. “We must be brave enough to speak up for peace. We must be afraid to speak up for war,” he said.