The Hon. Muneer Mulaffer - Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson of Committees.

¶ 02 Due to the situation in the Middle East, every conscientious person is in pain. Violating the sovereignty of a country and entering to attack cannot be permitted. Problems that must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy should not be taken to war. History shows wars do not solve problems; they exacerbate them, destroy countries and people’s lives.

¶ 03 For years, based on assumptions, some initiated wars that devastated the Middle East and neighbouring countries multiple times. Wars only increase problems and even when they end, issues remain unresolved. Therefore, this must not continue. Our Government, our people, and everyone who prays for world peace demand that this war end swiftly and that people return to a peaceful, normal life.

¶ 04 Over a million Sri Lankans live and work in the Middle East and adjacent countries. As a responsible Government, we are ensuring their safety and assessing their needs. We thank those governments in the region that are protecting our nationals as their own.

¶ 05 No problem of a country can be solved by violating its sovereignty and attacking it. Due to the current war, school children and civilians are dying. Though the war is in the Middle East, its harsh effects can ripple across the world. Countries like ours can be affected economically and otherwise.

¶ 06 As H.E. the President noted today, having recovered from bankruptcy, these global changes — wars — can affect us again. Every country must respect international law; when that does not happen, unnecessary global problems emerge. No nation has the right to suppress the sovereignty of another country or eliminate leadership by force. Killing leaders or civilians will not solve problems — that is mere fantasy.

¶ 07 Internationally, nearly two-thirds of around 200 countries are observing this war calling for peace because no one can accept it. This shows the world’s message.

¶ 08 About one million of our people are in the Middle East, with many families here depending on them. We understand their fear and mental distress — including in my own family. In this context, if some try to manufacture a fuel crisis, create panic, and seek political advantage, there is a big question about their conscience. Nearly a million of our families depend on those workers’ remittances to strengthen our economy; imagine their fear amid this war. To exploit this for politics is unconscionable.

¶ 09 We know wars cannot solve issues and only create greater ones. Our firm stance is that no one can attack a sovereign state by force; and assassinating leaders cannot resolve problems. We pray for quick peace in the region and the world so all may live happily.

¶ 10 Thank you.