COLOMBO : Rishad Bathiudeen MP has thanked President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for the humanitarian decision to rescue those on an attacked Iranian ship near Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary and for allowing another Iranian vessel to dock, providing shelter to 208 passengers.
Rishad Bathiudeen expressed his number gratitude for the President’s humanitarian action in rescuing people from Iranian ships
Member of Parliament and Leader of the All Ceylon Makkal Congress Rishad Bathiudeen, has expressed his appreciation and thanks to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for making a humanitarian decision to rescue those on board an Iranian ship that came under attack near Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary. He also praised the decision to allow another Iranian vessel to dock at a Sri Lankan port and provide shelter to the 208 people traveling on it.
ACMC Leader Rishad Bathiudeen stated that the President has demonstrated through this decision that “humanitarianism must come before everything else.” He added that this is a moment that all Sri Lankans can be proud of.
He further noted that the ongoing war in the Middle East has been imposed on Iran, and that thousands of people in Iran have been killed in joint attacks by the United States and Israel. In such a situation, he said, Sri Lanka has stood tall in world history by saving a total of 240 Iranian citizens who were traveling on two Iranian ships, thanks to the President’s courageous decision.
ACMC Leader Rishad Bathiudeen also pointed out that many false and fear-mongering comments had been made regarding this issue. However, he said Sri Lanka intervened in order to protect human lives, safeguard the country’s dignity, and demonstrate its commitment to international agreements as a nation.
Quoting the President, he said that this intervention was a very courageous humanitarian initiative taken by the country. Bathiudeen added that through this action he sees the qualities of humane leadership in the President.
He also strongly rejected harsh statements suggesting that the President’s action might cause conflict with the United States. MP Bathiudeen emphasized that compassionate people do not weigh the consequences when performing a good deed.
He further stated that Iran has long been a close friend of Sri Lanka, and whenever Sri Lanka faced major disasters, Iran came forward quickly to help. Therefore, he said, Sri Lanka has a responsibility to help Iran as well.
Finally, MP Rishad Bathiudeen also expressed his appreciation and thanks to the security forces who implemented the President’s decision and helped rescue hundreds of lives from the Iranian ships.
