Palestine becoming UN non-member observer:

Lanka steadfastly stood with Palestine - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in a letter congratulated Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian people on their country being upgraded to a non-member observer state of the United Nations.

In his message, President Rajapaksa recalled that Sri Lanka has “steadfastly stood with the Palestinian people in their decades long struggle for justice” and expressed his continuous support.

The message: “It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartiest congratulations and sincere best wishes to Your Excellency and the people of Palestine on behalf of the government and people of Sri Lanka on this happy occasion of the adoption of the historic resolution on the enhancement of the status of Palestine in the United Nations General Assembly.

“I firmly believe that the overwhelming support extended by the 138 countries in the United Nations General Assembly to elevate the status of Palestine as a Non-Member Observer State is an important milestone in the path to achieve the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

“The people of Sri Lanka steadfastly stood with the Palestinian people in their decades long struggle for justice and to achieve the legitimate aspirations in accordance with the UN Resolution. I am pleased to state that Sri Lanka joined other countries to co-sponsor the resolution to express the solidarity and resolute commitments of my government to the Palestinian people and their just cause. I look forward to working closely with you to achieve the objectives of Palestinian people.

“I take this opportunity to convey to you my good wishes for your good health, happiness and personal well-being and for peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Palestine.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”