Sri Lanka Reaffirms Solidarity with Palestine at Book Launch 📈

• Event Overview: Former Minister Imthiaz Bakeer Markar launched his latest publication, _‘The Heritage of the Homeland Trampled by a Superpower’_, at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Colombo. The book compiles decades of speeches and reflections advocating for Palestinian self-determination and human rights. • Diplomatic Context: The event underscored Sri Lanka’s consistent historical alignment with the Palestinian cause. Palestinian Ambassador Ihab M. Khalil and high-ranking local officials, including the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, emphasized that the issue is a principled defense of humanity rather than religious advocacy. • Key Humanitarian Data: • Casualties: Over 72,000 civilians killed since October 7, 2025. • Displacement: Hundreds of thousands remain displaced despite a current ceasefire. • Status: The humanitarian crisis is reported as critical with no signs of immediate easing. • National Policy Reflections: Speakers, including former diplomats and legal experts, highlighted that foreign policy reflects national values. Notable concern was raised regarding the consistency of Sri Lanka’s historical stance, specifically criticizing recent decisions such as sending local journalists to Israel for training. • Conclusion: The publication serves as a historical record of Sri Lanka-Palestine relations and a call for international institutions to uphold international law and protect civilian lives in conflict zones. 🇱🇰