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{{Short description|1=Diplomatic relations between Palestine and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka}}
{{Infobox bilateral relations|Sri Lanka–Palestine|Palestine|Sri Lanka|map=سريلانكا-فلسطين.svg}}

{{Infobox bilateral relations|Sri Lanka–Palestine|Palestine|Sri Lanka|map=Palestine Sri Lanka Locator.png}}
Relations between Palestine and Sri Lanka started in 1975 when the [[Palestine Liberation Organization]] (PLO) opened up an embassy in Colombo.After the [[Palestinian Declaration of Independence]] on 15 November 1988,the [[Republic of Sri Lanka]] and the [[Republic of Maldives]] were among few of the first countries in the world to recognize the State of Palestine.<ref>[http://thediplomaticsociety.com/index.php/archive/archive/420-palestine-has-strong-historic-relations-with-sri-lanka-the-maldives-and-south-africa-ambassador-of-the-state-of-palestine-to-sri-lanka-and-the-maldives- Palestine has strong historic relations with Sri Lanka , the Maldives and South Africa - Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Sri Lanka and the Maldives] ''The Dipolomatic Society''</ref><ref>[https://www.news.lk/news/political-current-affairs/item/18813-relationship-between-palestine-and-sri-lanka-a-unique-record-says-speaker Relationship between Palestine and Sri Lanka a unique record, says Speaker] News.lk</ref> Left wing government led by [[Sirimavo Bandaranaike]] during the 1970s closed down the Israel embassy in support of the Palestinian cause.<ref name="dailynews.lk">{{cite web|url=http://archives.dailynews.lk/2008/10/09/fea01.asp|title=Features - Online edition of Daily News - Lakehouse Newspapers|website=archives.dailynews.lk}}</ref> However, after the right wing government led by [[J.R. Jayewardene]] came to power Sri Lanka re-established ties with Israel. Diplomatic ties with Israel were suspended again under president [[Ranasinghe Premadasa]] in support of the Palestinian cause.<ref>https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/03/20/Sri-Lanka-to-suspend-relations-with-Israel/6077637909200/</ref> In 2000 however ties with Israel were re-established.<ref>https://www.khaleejtimes.com/editorials-columns/the-rationale-behind-sri-lanka-s-ties-with-israel</ref> Sri Lanka currently supports the two state solution for the conflict.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/sri-lanka-suggests-two-state-solution-for-israel-palestine-conflict-118052000042_1.html|title=Sri Lanka suggests two-state solution for Israel-Palestine conflict|last=ANI|date=20 May 2018|via=Business Standard}}</ref> In 2014 Sri Lanka donated 130 million rupees to Palestine as humanitarian aid.<ref>http://www.dailymirror.lk/65463/palestine-on-sl-donation</ref> During the UN speech of president [[Maithripala Sirisena]] he expressed support for the liberation struggle of the Palestinian people and urged the [[United Nations]] and all Member States to approach the Palestinian issue in a more humane manner taking the inhumane conditions they face into consideration.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mfa.gov.lk/address-73unga-eng/|title=Address by H.E. Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka at the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly- 25 September 2018, New York - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sri Lanka}}</ref> Sri Lanka has being voting in support of Palestine in almost every resolution brought to the UN.<ref>http://colombogazette.com/2017/12/08/sri-lanka-to-continue-to-support-palestine-for-full-un-membership/</ref>
'''Palestine–Sri Lanka relations''' refer to the [[Bilateralism|bilateral relations]] between the [[State of Palestine]] and [[Sri Lanka]]. Historically, relations between the two countries have been very friendly. Relations between Palestine and Sri Lanka started in 1975, when the [[Palestine Liberation Organization]] (PLO) opened up an embassy in Colombo. After the [[Palestinian Declaration of Independence]] on 15 November 1988, Sri Lanka and the [[Maldives]] were among the first few countries in the world to recognize the State of Palestine.<ref>[http://thediplomaticsociety.com/index.php/archive/archive/420-palestine-has-strong-historic-relations-with-sri-lanka-the-maldives-and-south-africa-ambassador-of-the-state-of-palestine-to-sri-lanka-and-the-maldives- Palestine has strong historic relations with Sri Lanka, the Maldives and South Africa – Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Sri Lanka and the Maldives] ''The Dipolomatic Society''</ref><ref>[https://www.news.lk/news/political-current-affairs/item/18813-relationship-between-palestine-and-sri-lanka-a-unique-record-says-speaker Relationship between Palestine and Sri Lanka a unique record, says Speaker] News.lk</ref>

Sri Lanka currently supports a [[two-state solution]] to the ongoing [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]], and recognizes both the State of Palestine and [[Israel]].<ref name="auto">{{cite news |last=ANI |date=20 May 2018 |title=Sri Lanka suggests two-state solution for Israel-Palestine conflict |newspaper=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/sri-lanka-suggests-two-state-solution-for-israel-palestine-conflict-118052000042_1.html |via=Business Standard}}</ref> Sri Lanka has voted in support of Palestine in almost every resolution brought to the UN.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://colombogazette.com/2017/12/08/sri-lanka-to-continue-to-support-palestine-for-full-un-membership/|title = Sri Lanka to continue to support Palestine for full UN membership|date = 8 December 2017}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[File:Sirimavo Bandaranaike 1961 (cropped) 5.PNG|thumb|left|Prime minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike was a strong supporter of Palestine<ref name="dailynews.lk"/>]]
[[File:Sirimavo Bandaranaike 1961 (cropped) 5.PNG|thumb|Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike was a strong ally of Palestine.<ref name="dailynews.lk"/>]]
The relationship between Sri Lanka and Palestine, particularly the [[Palestinian Liberation Organization]] (PLO), can be traced back to 1971 when the left wing [[Sri Lanka Freedom Party]] led by [[Sirimavo Bandaranaike]] promised to expel the Israel embassy in Sri Lanka in support of the Palestinian cause during their election campaigns. After [[Sirimavo Bandaranaike]] came into power the Israel embassy was closed down despite Zionist lobbies in the UK threatening to boycott Sri Lankan Tea.<ref name="dailynews.lk"/> Shortly after closing down the Israel embassy the [[Sirimavo Bandaranaike]] invited the PLO to establish diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka. In 1975 the PLO established an embassy in Sri Lanka, a year later the Sri Lanka-Palestine Solidarity Committee was created.<ref>http://www.inss.org.il/publication/the-palestinian-cause-in-the-international-arena-the-case-of-sri-lanka/</ref> In 1997 Palestinian leader, Mr Yasser Arafat offered to mediate a settlement for the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]] after meeting with the Sri Lankan president [[Chandrika Kumaratunga]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/arafat-offers-to-help-end-ethnic-war-in-sri-lanka-1.55612|title=Arafat offers to help end ethnic war in Sri Lanka|website=The Irish Times}}</ref>
The relationship between Sri Lanka and Palestine, particularly the [[Palestinian Liberation Organization]] (PLO), can be traced back to 1971, when the [[left-wing]] [[Sri Lanka Freedom Party]] led by [[Sirimavo Bandaranaike]] promised to close down the Israel embassy in Sri Lanka in support of the Palestinian cause during their election campaigns. After Sirimavo Bandaranaike came to power, the Israel embassy was closed down despite many threats by [[Zionist]] lobbies in the [[United Kingdom]] to boycott [[Sri Lankan tea]].<ref name="dailynews.lk">{{cite web|url=http://archives.dailynews.lk/2008/10/09/fea01.asp|title=Features – Online edition of Daily News – Lakehouse Newspapers|website=archives.dailynews.lk}}</ref> Shortly after closing down the Israel embassy, Sirimavo Bandaranaike invited the PLO to establish diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka. In 1975, the PLO established a Palestinian embassy in Sri Lanka, a year after the Sri Lanka-Palestine Solidarity Committee was created.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yass |first=Shlomi |date=January 15, 2015 |title=The Palestinian Cause in the International Arena: The Case of Sri Lanka |url=https://www.inss.org.il/publication/the-palestinian-cause-in-the-international-arena-the-case-of-sri-lanka/ |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=[[Institute for National Security Studies (Israel)|Institute for National Security Studies]]}}</ref>

After the [[right-wing]] [[United National Party]] led by [[J. R. Jayewardene]] came to power, Sri Lanka re-established ties with Israel. Diplomatic ties with Israel were suspended again under President [[Ranasinghe Premadasa]] in support of the Palestinian cause,<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 20, 1990 |title=Sri Lanka to suspend relations with Israel |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1990/03/20/Sri-Lanka-to-suspend-relations-with-Israel/6077637909200/ |access-date=October 25, 2024 |website=[[United Press International]]}}</ref> but were re-established in 2000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/editorials-columns/the-rationale-behind-sri-lanka-s-ties-with-israel|title = The rationale behind Sri Lanka's ties with Israel}}</ref>

In 1997, Palestinian leader [[Yasser Arafat]] offered to mediate a settlement for the [[Sri Lankan Civil War]], after meeting with Sri Lankan President [[Chandrika Kumaratunga]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/arafat-offers-to-help-end-ethnic-war-in-sri-lanka-1.55612 |title=Arafat offers to help end ethnic war in Sri Lanka |newspaper=The Irish Times |location=Dulin}}</ref>


==Current relations==
==Current relations==
Sri Lanka currently supports a two-state solution to end the on-going war between Israel and Palestine in Gaza.<ref name="auto"/> Sri Lanka has made monetary donations to Palestine on various occasions, recently in 2014 Sri Lanka donated 1 million dollars to provide humanitarian aid to Palestine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Sep26_1411715666CH.php|title=Sri Lanka : Sri Lankan President hands over US$ 1 million donation to Palestine leader|website=www.colombopage.com}}</ref> Sri Lanka also strongly opposed the US President Donald Trumps decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in the UN, Sri Lanka Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Association (SLPPFA) held a massive rally led by the [[Rajitha Senaratne|Minister for health and nutrition of Sri Lanka]] in support of Palestine during the issue.<ref>http://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-will-stand-by-Palestine-–-Rajitha/44-645858</ref> Sri Lankan president and the chairperson of the centre-left [[Sri Lanka Freedom Party]], [[Maithripala Sirisena]] also assured that Sri Lanka is committed to stand by the struggle for independence of the Palestinian people, president also gifted a plot of land for Palestine in Colombo to open up a new embassy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/171231/news/president-expresses-support-for-palestine-275558.html|title=President expresses support for Palestine}}</ref>
In January 2024, President [[Ranil Wickremesinghe]] affirmed Sri Lanka's support for a [[two-state solution]] to the ongoing [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2024 |title=President affirms Sri Lanka’s commitment to two-state solution in Palestine |url=https://www.adaderana.lk/news/96330/president-affirms-sri-lankas-commitment-to-two-state-solution-in-palestine |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=[[Ada Derana]] |language=en}}</ref> Sri Lanka has donated money to Palestine and provided humanitarian aid on several occasions. In 2014, Sri Lanka donated a million US dollars to provide humanitarian aid to Palestine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Sep26_1411715666CH.php|title=Sri Lanka : Sri Lankan President hands over US$ 1 million donation to Palestine leader|website=www.colombopage.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/65463/palestine-on-sl-donation|title = It was urgent humanitarian aid: Palestine on SL donation – Breaking News &#124; Daily Mirror}}</ref>

Sri Lanka strongly opposed the decision by [[US President]] [[Donald Trump]] to [[United States recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel|recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel]]. The Sri Lanka Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Association (SLPPFA) held a massive rally led by Sri Lankan [[Ministry of Health (Sri Lanka)|Minister of Health]] [[Rajitha Senaratne]] in support of Palestine during the issue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-will-stand-by-Palestine-–-Rajitha/44-645858|title=Sri Lanka will stand by Palestine – Rajitha &#124; Daily FT|website=www.ft.lk}}</ref> In 2018, during a speech to the [[United Nations]], Sri Lankan president and leader of the SLFP [[Maithripala Sirisena]] expressed support for the liberation of the Palestinian people and urged the UN and all member states to approach the Palestinian issue in a more humane manner, taking into consideration the inhumane conditions Palestinians face.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mfa.gov.lk/address-73unga-eng/|title=Address by H.E. Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka at the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly- 25 September 2018, New York – Foreign Ministry – Sri Lanka}}</ref> Sirisena gave assurance that Sri Lanka is committed to stand by the struggle for independence of the Palestinian people, and gave a plot of land in [[Colombo]] for Palestine to open a new embassy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/171231/news/president-expresses-support-for-palestine-275558.html|title=President expresses support for Palestine}}</ref>

During the [[2023 Israel–Hamas war]], the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Sri Lanka)|Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka]] expressed concern about the loss of life in both Israel and [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sri Lanka Deeply Concerned about Attacks and Escalation of Violence in Israel and Palestine – Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka |url=https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-concerned-israel-and-palestine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012032346/https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-concerned-israel-and-palestine/ |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |access-date=2023-10-12 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kugelman |first=Michael |date=2023-10-11 |title=Will India Draw Closer to Israel? |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/10/11/india-israel-hamas-war-diplomacy-palestine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012070924/https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/10/11/india-israel-hamas-war-diplomacy-palestine/ |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=[[Foreign Policy (magazine)|Foreign Policy]] |language=en-US}}</ref> UNP President [[Ranil Wickremesinghe]] denounced [[Hamas]]'s aggression, stating that [[criticism of Israel]] was not a valid justification for Hamas's attacks.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Abeykoon |first1=Gayan |date=9 October 2023 |title=President condemns Hamas attack on Israel |work=DailyNews |url=https://www.dailynews.lk/2023/10/10/local/162120/president-condemns-hamas-attack-on-israel/ |url-status=live |access-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014024238/https://www.dailynews.lk/2023/10/10/local/162120/president-condemns-hamas-attack-on-israel/ |archive-date=October 14, 2023}}</ref> Sri Lanka voted against condemning Hamas at the United Nations.<ref name="auto4">{{Cite tweet|number=1717991362010792164|user=UN_News_Centre|title=Canada-led amendment to the draft resolution on the Gaza crisis fails to pass at the UN General Assembly; it did not achieve two-thirds majority FAVOUR the amendment: 88 AGAINST the amendment: 55 ABSTENTIONS: 23 Our LIVE COVERAGE: https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/10/1142847?reload12|first=|last=UN News|access-date=28 October 2023}}</ref>

==See also==
==See also==
* [[Foreign relations of Palestine]]
* [[Israel–Sri Lanka relations]]

* [[Foreign relations of Sri Lanka]]
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

Latest revision as of 03:19, 25 October 2024

Sri Lanka–Palestine relations
Map indicating locations of Palestine and Sri Lanka

Palestine
Sri Lanka

Palestine–Sri Lanka relations refer to the bilateral relations between the State of Palestine and Sri Lanka. Historically, relations between the two countries have been very friendly. Relations between Palestine and Sri Lanka started in 1975, when the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) opened up an embassy in Colombo. After the Palestinian Declaration of Independence on 15 November 1988, Sri Lanka and the Maldives were among the first few countries in the world to recognize the State of Palestine.[1][2]

Sri Lanka currently supports a two-state solution to the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and recognizes both the State of Palestine and Israel.[3] Sri Lanka has voted in support of Palestine in almost every resolution brought to the UN.[4]

History

[edit]
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike was a strong ally of Palestine.[5]

The relationship between Sri Lanka and Palestine, particularly the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), can be traced back to 1971, when the left-wing Sri Lanka Freedom Party led by Sirimavo Bandaranaike promised to close down the Israel embassy in Sri Lanka in support of the Palestinian cause during their election campaigns. After Sirimavo Bandaranaike came to power, the Israel embassy was closed down despite many threats by Zionist lobbies in the United Kingdom to boycott Sri Lankan tea.[5] Shortly after closing down the Israel embassy, Sirimavo Bandaranaike invited the PLO to establish diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka. In 1975, the PLO established a Palestinian embassy in Sri Lanka, a year after the Sri Lanka-Palestine Solidarity Committee was created.[6]

After the right-wing United National Party led by J. R. Jayewardene came to power, Sri Lanka re-established ties with Israel. Diplomatic ties with Israel were suspended again under President Ranasinghe Premadasa in support of the Palestinian cause,[7] but were re-established in 2000.[8]

In 1997, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat offered to mediate a settlement for the Sri Lankan Civil War, after meeting with Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga.[9]

Current relations

[edit]

In January 2024, President Ranil Wickremesinghe affirmed Sri Lanka's support for a two-state solution to the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict.[10] Sri Lanka has donated money to Palestine and provided humanitarian aid on several occasions. In 2014, Sri Lanka donated a million US dollars to provide humanitarian aid to Palestine.[11][12]

Sri Lanka strongly opposed the decision by US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The Sri Lanka Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Association (SLPPFA) held a massive rally led by Sri Lankan Minister of Health Rajitha Senaratne in support of Palestine during the issue.[13] In 2018, during a speech to the United Nations, Sri Lankan president and leader of the SLFP Maithripala Sirisena expressed support for the liberation of the Palestinian people and urged the UN and all member states to approach the Palestinian issue in a more humane manner, taking into consideration the inhumane conditions Palestinians face.[14] Sirisena gave assurance that Sri Lanka is committed to stand by the struggle for independence of the Palestinian people, and gave a plot of land in Colombo for Palestine to open a new embassy.[15]

During the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka expressed concern about the loss of life in both Israel and Gaza.[16][17] UNP President Ranil Wickremesinghe denounced Hamas's aggression, stating that criticism of Israel was not a valid justification for Hamas's attacks.[18] Sri Lanka voted against condemning Hamas at the United Nations.[19]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Palestine has strong historic relations with Sri Lanka, the Maldives and South Africa – Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Sri Lanka and the Maldives The Dipolomatic Society
  2. ^ Relationship between Palestine and Sri Lanka a unique record, says Speaker News.lk
  3. ^ ANI (20 May 2018). "Sri Lanka suggests two-state solution for Israel-Palestine conflict". Business Standard India – via Business Standard.
  4. ^ "Sri Lanka to continue to support Palestine for full UN membership". 8 December 2017.
  5. ^ a b "Features – Online edition of Daily News – Lakehouse Newspapers". archives.dailynews.lk.
  6. ^ Yass, Shlomi (January 15, 2015). "The Palestinian Cause in the International Arena: The Case of Sri Lanka". Institute for National Security Studies. Retrieved 2024-10-25.
  7. ^ "Sri Lanka to suspend relations with Israel". United Press International. March 20, 1990. Retrieved October 25, 2024.
  8. ^ "The rationale behind Sri Lanka's ties with Israel".
  9. ^ "Arafat offers to help end ethnic war in Sri Lanka". The Irish Times. Dulin.
  10. ^ "President affirms Sri Lanka's commitment to two-state solution in Palestine". Ada Derana. January 11, 2024. Retrieved 2024-10-25.
  11. ^ "Sri Lanka : Sri Lankan President hands over US$ 1 million donation to Palestine leader". www.colombopage.com.
  12. ^ "It was urgent humanitarian aid: Palestine on SL donation – Breaking News | Daily Mirror".
  13. ^ "Sri Lanka will stand by Palestine – Rajitha | Daily FT". www.ft.lk.
  14. ^ "Address by H.E. Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka at the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly- 25 September 2018, New York – Foreign Ministry – Sri Lanka".
  15. ^ "President expresses support for Palestine".
  16. ^ "Sri Lanka Deeply Concerned about Attacks and Escalation of Violence in Israel and Palestine – Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka". Archived from the original on October 12, 2023. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  17. ^ Kugelman, Michael (2023-10-11). "Will India Draw Closer to Israel?". Foreign Policy. Archived from the original on October 12, 2023. Retrieved 2023-10-12.
  18. ^ Abeykoon, Gayan (9 October 2023). "President condemns Hamas attack on Israel". DailyNews. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  19. ^ UN News [@UN_News_Centre] (October 27, 2023). "Canada-led amendment to the draft resolution on the Gaza crisis fails to pass at the UN General Assembly; it did not achieve two-thirds majority FAVOUR the amendment: 88 AGAINST the amendment: 55 ABSTENTIONS: 23 Our LIVE COVERAGE: https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/10/1142847?reload12" (Tweet). Retrieved 28 October 2023 – via Twitter.
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