Ramallah : A special commemorative programme marking the 50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s solidarity
with Palestine was held virtually on 17 August 2026, bringing together parliamentary leaders,
civil society representatives and friendship organisations from both countries to reflect on five
decades of cooperation, solidarity and mutual support. The programme was organised in
collaboration with the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine (SLCSP), the Sri
Lanka-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Association and the Embassy of the State of
Palestine in Sri Lanka, following the successful reorganisation meeting of the Palestine-Sri
Lanka Friendship Association held at the Representative Office of Sri Lanka in Ramallah.
The virtual event brought together parliamentary, civil society and diplomatic representatives
from both countries. Key participants included Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri
Lanka, Rizvi Salih; Members of Parliament, Dr. Najith Indika, Mujibur Rahman and
Lakmali Hemachandra; Former Minister and Patron of the SLCSP, Imthiaz Bakeer Markar;
Former Speaker of Parliament, Karu Jayasuriya; and distinguished civil society
representatives.
In his introductory address, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Sri Lanka, Ihab Khalil,
emphasised the significance of preserving and nurturing the historic ties between the two
countries. In his welcome speech, Co-Chairman of the SLCSP, Ameen Izzadee, highlighted
Sri Lanka’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause. Addressing the gathering,
Representative of Sri Lanka to the State of Palestine, Farook Mohamed Fawzer, noted that
the event connected Colombo and Ramallah and reflected the longstanding commitment to
cooperation between the two countries.
Members of the newly reorganised Palestine-Sri Lanka Friendship Association in Ramallah
also participated in the programme and engaged in discussions with Sri Lankan
representatives on expanding bilateral engagement. Participants underscored the importance
of sustained cooperation through parliamentary, civil society, academic, professional and
youth channels. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening diplomatic
and people-to-people ties in the years ahead.
