End military action in Gaza - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka calls upon the parties concerned to end military action immediately and observe a ceasefire, a press release issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry said yesterday.

It said: "The Government of Sri Lanka notes with deep concern the continuing violence in the Gaza Strip. The escalation of the military action has resulted in further loss of civilian lives and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, as well as increased tension in the region.

"Sri Lanka calls upon the parties concerned to end military action immediately and observe a ceasefire which would reduce the prevailing tension and lead to a conducive environment for negotiations. An end to military action would ease the considerable human suffering in the Gaza Strip".