The Sri Lankan government has issued a statement calling on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to “display restraint and avoid civilian casualties” earlier this week.
See the full statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs below.
“Sri Lanka is deeply concerned and disturbed at the recent serious escalation of violence in Gaza and deeply regrets the loss of lives and the great suffering experienced by the people of Palestine. Sri Lanka strongly believes the use of force and militaristic threats should be halted and that there is no alternative to the peaceful resolution of the conflict through peace talks.
We call upon both the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to display restraint and avoid civilian casualties. It is hoped that the parties would continue to demonstrate leadership and political courage and keep open the door to peace.”
The statement comes as Sri Lanka roundly dismissed a UN internal report, which detailed reports that tens of thousands of civilians may have been killed, primarily due to Sri Lankan government shelling in the final months of the island’s armed conflict in 2009.
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