In a briefing to the Cabinet on the Israel crisis yesterday, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said: “There are many Sri Lankans working in Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must locate them and ensure their safety.
There are a number of Israelis in Sri Lanka – some are tourists and some are employed. We must help them to travel back to Israel. I have also asked the Police to look after the Israelis here.
“Sri Lanka has always supported the two states concept of Israel and Palestine. We are steadfast in our support. At times we have condemned Israel’s actions. Nevertheless, all this does not justify the Hamas attack on Israel killing a large number of civilians. The Government of Sri Lanka condemns this unprecedented attack.
“The fighting and violence must be brought to an end immediately. Sri Lanka is in agreement with the African Union proposal. There is another impact of this crisis. The petrol prices were expected to rise to US$ 100 per barrel and thereafter recede from end February. This crisis will only create a further shortage of fuel ensuring that fuel prices will remain high for a longer time. This is a big blow to the developing economies.”
