Sri Lanka for a lasting solution to Palestinian problem - President

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka has reiterated the continuing solidarity with the Palestinian people to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people today.

The message of President Mahinda Rajapaksa:

Sri Lanka has been a consistent advocate for the realisation of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. We have extended our firm and unequivocal support to the just struggle in obtaining their rights, including the right to statehood.

For over 30 years, I have associated myself with the course of Palestine, and supported activities aimed at promoting the rights and freedoms of the Palestinian people.

Reports of the continued hardships and deprivations suffered by the people in the occupied territories almost on a daily basis fill me with profound sorrow. It is my most sincere hope that efforts to pursue an end to violence would soon succeed in the emergence of peace in the Middle East.

We share their hopes and aspirations of seeing - an end to foreign occupation, the achievement of a lasting solution for the realisation of a Palestinian State, and a durable peace.