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UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people

Published

5 years ago

2020/11/29

November 29 has been named as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people by the United Nations.

In drawing attention to the struggle of the Palestinian people we cannot but remember the firm stand that the United Nations took against racism, against the evil of Apartheid and supported the liberation struggle of the people of South Africa, Imthiaz Bakeer Markar, MP, Co-chairman Sri Lanka – Palestine Solidarity Committee, said in a statement to mark the occasion.

At the time his people were liberated, the celebrated leader of the liberation struggle for South Africa Nelson Mandela made a profound statement, which resonates around the world to this day, he noted.

He further said: “For many years, the United Nations stood firm against racism. Because of that a worldwide consensus was built against this unfair system. We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.

“The Palestinian conflict is a complex one and it is a mistake for us to make judgements by viewing it on the surface with pre-conceived notions. Instead, I urge everyone to understand the underlying deep reasons why the Palestinian conflict has not been resolved after all these years. We have to take a humane view of their issues, their status and problems, and understand the realities. In short, we need to address these issues in a correct and just manner.

“The Palestinian struggle has gone on for seven long decades and we are disturbed to note that currently moves are afoot so that the Palestinians will lose their motherland forever.

“The world has failed to implement the international consensus sought by the United Nations to find a fair and just solution to the Palestinian issue because the Superpowers in the United Nations Security Council have used their veto powers to stop important UN Resolutions aimed at actualizing the broader view of the majority of the countries around the world. It is with sadness that we observe that the UN has been powerless to do the right thing for the Palestinians.

“At this time I remember the statement made by President Barack Obama, who lit up the hopes of all those who sought a solution to the Palestinian issue when he made the famous “Cairo declaration.”

In that statement Obama said: “It is also undeniable that the Palestinian people — Muslims and Christians — have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than 60 years they’ve endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza, and neighbouring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations — large and small — that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: The situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable. And America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own.”

Little has happened since and unfortunately we have to add Obama to the list of US Presidents who have historically been unable to fulfil its promise to provide a just solution to the Palestinian question, Bakeer Markar said.

He added: President Bush also asked once “why do these people hate us so much?” It is also said that a US President who was there before Bush, Eisenhower, in a discussion with his staff asked the same question: “Why does the Arab world look at us in such a wrong way?”

“Actually the question arises not from the governments but from the ordinary people of the Arab world. The people rightly accuse the United States of safeguarding corrupt and autocratic regimes in the Middle East preventing the dawn of democracy in the region. The actual actions of the United States in the Middle East is contrary to its claim of being the “watchdog of democracy” in the region.

“The initiatives made by Washington to bring peace to the Palestinians from the Camp David Accords to the Oslo Accords have been rendered useless by Israel.

“In January 1976 the United Nations, backed by a wide global consensus, passed a Resolution granting Palestine political sovereignty. This Resolution received the support of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, the Arab countries, the European Bloc and the Soviet Bloc. However this UN effort was also stopped by the exercise of a veto from the United States. The 1981 initiative from Saudi Arabia called the FAHAD peace deal was also rejected by Israel.

“For decades the world has been helplessly watching the Palestinian tragedy unfold as the people of this land are being driven out of their homes which are being destroyed. They are forced to wander as they are constantly harassed and deprived of the very basic necessities such as water. “They have no freedom of movement, as they are being arrested arbitrarily, even little children and women have been detained.

“In the year 2020 alone 684 homes and other buildings in the West Bank were completely destroyed by Israelis.

“In October 2000, the UN Security Council resolved with a 14 to 0 vote that Israel should act according to the obligations and agreements contained in the Fourth Geneva Convention and return all Palestinian lands that have been occupied. At that time the US abstained from voting.

“In addition, in 2001 when Israeli troops clashed with Palestinians, attempts by the United Nations to send in international observers to minimize violence under the so-called Michael plan was opposed by Israel and the United States.

“These actions of the US has damaged its credentials as a neutral player in resolving issues in the Middle East and has ruined its reputation as a champion of democracy and global justice.

“Under President Donald Trump the US Middle East policy has been very one-sided. However under the new Democratic President it is hoped that the policy towards this region will be fairer and more progressive. If that does not happen then it will be a big blow against America’s boast of being a country that is a proponent of peace and democracy across the world.

“We wish all the peoples in the region a secure peace, in which they may live with dignity and mutual respect”.

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Experts: NPP education reforms unsuitable for SL

Published

1 hour ago

2026/01/11

Thilina Walpola

Proposed education reforms have drawn sharp criticism from education professionals, teacher unions and student organisations, who warned on Thursday that the changes risk undermining child safety, widening inequality and imposing unaffordable costs on parents.

Addressing a press conference in Colombo, Dr Ayomi Irugalbandara of the Faculty of Education at the Open University of Sri Lanka said the proposed reforms appeared to be largely modelled on foreign education systems without adequate consideration of local realities.

She took particular issue with proposals to integrate social media use into the school curriculum, noting that several developed countries have moved in the opposite direction by preventing children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms.

“Most of these modules are not appropriate for this country,” Dr Irugalbandara said. “We warn parents that these reforms place children at risk.”

Concerns were also raised over digital content linked to the revised curriculum. Inter-University Students’ Federation Convener Madushan Chandrajith said the Grade Six Information and Communication Technology (ICT) module included QR codes that directed students to a controversial YouTube channel.

“Who will take responsibility for children accessing such content?” he asked, calling for clear accountability mechanisms for material linked through digital platforms used in schools.

Secretary of the Workers’ Struggle Centre, Duminda Nagamuwa, criticised the government’s approach to the reform process, comparing it to the fertiliser policy introduced under former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He alleged that the authorities were pushing ahead with education reforms despite opposition from academics, teachers and other stakeholders.

Nagamuwa also highlighted the economic burden on families, noting that Sri Lanka’s poverty rate had increased from 12.5 percent to 25 percent. He questioned how parents were expected to afford smartphones or tablet computers required for students to access QR code-linked educational content.

“The government is asking parents to bear costs they simply cannot afford,” he said.

Ceylon Teachers’ Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin said schools had already begun collecting money from parents in anticipation of the reforms, including funds to purchase smart boards.

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Sajith: Ashoka Chakra replaces Dharmachakra in Buddhism textbook

Published

1 hour ago

2026/01/11

Thilina Walpola

Premadasa speaking in parliament

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa on Friday told Parliament that the Buddhism textbook contained a “serious error,” citing the use of the Ashoka Chakra instead of the Dharmachakra.

He said the Dharmachakra depicted in the book differs from the one featured in the state symbol and called on the Education Minister to correct the mistake.

Responding, Education Minister and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said the Dharmachakra used in the textbook had been approved by the Ministry of Buddhist Affairs. She added that the advisory board on Buddhism had also endorsed it.

The Premier further noted that during her recent visit, Mahanayake Theras confirmed that the Dharmachakra in the textbook was the officially approved version.

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Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera dazzles crowds with tradition and splendour

Published

1 hour ago

2026/01/11

Thilina Walpola

The Annual Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera at the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya lit up the streets once again, concluding on Saturday night after three days of colourful pageantry.

First held in 1927 thanks to the vision of philanthropist Don Walter Wijewardene, son of Helena Wijewardene Lamathani of Sedawatte, the Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera has grown into one of Sri Lanka’s most elaborate and grand low-country Buddhist pageants.

The Perahera commemorates the sacred visit of the Buddha to Kelaniya, the most revered temple in Sri Lanka’s Western Province. Celebrated annually during Duruthu Poya in January, the event showcases a fusion of historic, cultural, and religious traditions.

This year, under the guidance of Chief incumbent Venerable Professor Mahinda Sangarakkitta Nayaka Thera and Dayaka Sabha President Dr. Saman Weerasinghe, the festivities began with the ceremonial handover of the Sacred Relic Casket by Chancellor of Kelaniya University, Agra Maha Panditha Ven. Professor Kollupitiya Mahinda Sangharakkita Nayake Thera, to Chief Basnayake Nilame Dhammika Attygalle.

The sacred relic procession was followed by three Devale Peraheras dedicated to God Vibishana, God Kataragama, and God Vishnu, captivating devotees and tourists alike with traditional drumming, vibrant costumes, and ceremonial elephants.

The Perahera festivities also featured Pahalamaluwe Perahera on 8th January, Sacred City Perahera on 9th January, and the Grand Duruthu Maha Perahera on 10th January, with all events commencing at 8:00 pm. Special enclosures were arranged to accommodate foreign tourists, providing an immersive view of Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage.

As lanterns faded into the night sky and devotees paid homage, the Kelaniya Duruthu Perahera once again reaffirmed its place as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious calendar.