Solidarity Day sees Lanka's support for Palestine cause

The plight of the Palestinian people who are fighting to free their country from Israeli occupation and Sri Lanka's support for the Palestinian cause figured prominenty as prominent speakers, including Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne, JVP Parliamentarian Bimal Ratnayake and Social Justice Activist Mahinda Hattaka. spoke at a public event to mark International Day for Solidarity With the Palestinian people on Tuesday.

Recalling his recent visit to Palestine, Mr. Senaratne said Palestinians were undergoing immense hardship under Israeli occupation. He said Sri Lanka would continue to support the Palestinian cause at diplomatic level.

Mr.Ratnayake in his speech questioned the Government's decision to abstain when a pro-Palestinian resolution came up for voting at a UNESCO conference. The JVP MP said the al-Aqsa mosque belonged to the Palestinian people because the international community recognised East Jerusalem as a Palestinian territory.

Mr. Hattaka who delivered the keynote address traced the his- tory of the Palestinian struggle and described it as a fight against colonialism and injustice.

UN resident coordinator Una McCaule read out the message of UN Secretary General Bank Ki-moon. Mr. Bank called on the international community to reaffirm its commitment to upholding the rights of the Palestinian people and working to build a future of peace, justice, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

The event, organised by the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine, was held at the Sports Ministry Auditorium at Reid Avenue in Colombo.