In Parliament on Wednesday:

Sri Lanka condemns Israel attack on Gaza relief convoy

Sri Lanka strongly condemns the Israeli attack on a ship carrying humanitarian (food) aid to the Gaza region in Palestine and wished to express its deep shock over this incident, External Affairs Deputy Minister Geethanjana Gunawardena said speaking on an adjournment motion tabled in Parliament Wednesday.

National List MP A. H. M. Azwer who tabled the motion said on May 31 morning Israeli Commandos attacked a flotilla of ships carrying 10,000 tons of medicine, food, pre-fabricated houses and other essential goods to the 1.5 million Palestinians suffering in the Gaza strip as it approached the Eastern Mediterranean sea earning the strong condemnation of the whole world.

This humanitarian mission was organised by Turkish Humanitarian groups and other friends of Palestine. Israeli forces which blockaded this humanitarian flotilla, boarded the leading ship and attacked the 581 people in it killing at least 19 and injuring many others.

The whole world has condemned this atrocity. The countries which condemned this were not only Israel’s Arab enemies but also Turkey which was among the handful of its friends. Relations between Israel and Turkey too had been deteriorating in recent times. The Prime Minister of Turkey described this as ‘state terrorism’.

Sri Lanka as a member of the UN and a non-aligned country always condemned such attacks. Countries should join hands to punish those who have committed this crime. “I propose that the Resolution No. 242 and other resolutions for world peace should be activated forthwith and the Jewish state asked to strictly abide by them.”

Ratnapura District (UPFA) MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara said Israel is following an arbitrary and stubborn course of action tarnishing the world civilization.

They have denied freedom to the Palestinians as the world watched helplessly.

“Time has come for all to join forces to rise up against Imperialists. Palestinians had been our friends from ancient times.”

Kandy District (UNP) MP Rauf Hakeem said they were strongly opposed to this Israeli action. “This is not the first time Israel had acted in this manner. What would have been the position today if a country like Iran acted in this manner.

If so the US would have at once invaded Iran. We should not only condemn the Israeli action but also the US stance on it.”

External Affairs Deputy Minister Geethanjana Gunawardene said Israel had launched this attack in international waters.

Sri Lanka condemned this attack with abhorrence. Sri Lanka expressed its opposition to this attack at the United Nations in Geneva. Sri Lanka has maintained close relations with Middle East countries including Palestine for a very long period.

Palestine has special close links with the Mahinda Rajapaksa Government. We will never condone this attack. International boundaries should be correctly decided.

Palestinians should be enabled to enjoy peace. We express our deepest sympathies to the families of those who died in this attack and wish quick recovery to those injured. Among the dead are two Australian citizens of Sri Lankan descent.

National List MP J. R. P. Suriyapperuma said Turkey played a vital role in Middle East affairs.