Minister Bimal Rathnayake says Sri Lanka will not dispatch migrant workers for jobs in Israel-held Palestinian lands.
Speaking to reporters, Minister Rathnayake said, like several countries maintaining diplomatic and economic ties with Israel, Sri Lanka, too, has to continue, including sending migrant workers, for the benefit of the nation’s economy.
“If Sri Lanka suddenly ends ties with Israel, the economy will crash. It will also result in several Sri Lankan migrants currently employed in Israel losing their jobs. We cannot do this. Sri Lanka will act like several countries, including Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia, who stand with Palestine but continue ties with Israel for diplomatic and economic purposes,” he said.
Minister Rathnayake explained that Sri Lanka cannot end diplomatic and economic ties with Israel over the Palestinian conflict, as it could be detrimental for Sri Lanka’s economy.
“We believe in an independent Palestinian State and an Independent Israel State. Sri Lanka considers them as two separate Governments. As such, Sri Lanka will have to continue with political and economic ties with Israel,” he explained.
Minister Bimal Rathnayake reiterated that Sri Lanka stands strong on its stance for a free Palestinian State and condemns the killing of innocent lives by Israel.
The minister made the remarks in response to questions raised by reporters on MP Rauff Hakeem’s recent statement that Sri Lanka should stop sending migrant workers to Israel for employment due to its attacks on Palestine. (Newswire)
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