A special commemorative programme marking the 50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s solidarity with Palestine was held virtually on 17 August 2026, bringing together parliamentary leaders, civil society representatives and friendship organisations from both countries to reflect on five decades of cooperation, solidarity and mutual support. The programme was organised in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine (SLCSP), the Sri Lanka-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Association and the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Sri Lanka, following the successful reorganisation meeting of the Palestine-Sri Lanka Friendship Association held at the Representative Office of Sri Lanka in Ramallah.

The virtual event brought together parliamentary, civil society and diplomatic representatives from both countries. Key participants included Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Rizvi Salih; Members of Parliament, Dr. Najith Indika, Mujibur Rahman and Lakmali Hemachandra; Former Minister and Patron of the SLCSP, Imthiaz Bakeer Markar; Former Speaker of Parliament, Karu Jayasuriya; and distinguished civil society representatives.

In his introductory address, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Sri Lanka, Ihab Khalil, emphasised the significance of preserving and nurturing the historic ties between the two countries. In his welcome speech, Co-Chairman of the SLCSP, Ameen Izzadee, highlighted Sri Lanka’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause. Addressing the gathering, Representative of Sri Lanka to the State of Palestine, Farook Mohamed Fawzer, noted that the event connected Colombo and Ramallah and reflected the longstanding commitment to cooperation between the two countries.

Members of the newly reorganised Palestine-Sri Lanka Friendship Association in Ramallah also participated in the programme and engaged in discussions with Sri Lankan representatives on expanding bilateral engagement. Participants underscored the importance of sustained cooperation through parliamentary, civil society, academic, professional and youth channels. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening diplomatic and people-to-people ties in the years ahead.

Representative Office of Sri Lanka
Ramallah

28 August 2026