HISTORY 

Historical Overview of Sri Lanka-Palestine Relations

The diplomatic relationship between the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the State of Palestine is founded upon an enduring legacy of friendship, mutual respect, and unwavering solidarity. For more than five decades, Sri Lanka has consistently stood alongside the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest for self-determination, national independence, and the realization of a sovereign and viable Palestinian State. This principled commitment has remained a constant feature of Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and reflects the country's steadfast dedication to justice, human dignity, international law, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

The Genesis of Solidarity

The origins of formal Sri Lanka–Palestine relations date back to the mid-1970s, a period marked by growing international recognition of the Palestinian cause. In a historic milestone, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) established its diplomatic mission in Colombo in July 1975, making Sri Lanka one of the earliest countries in South Asia to grant official diplomatic status to Palestinian representation. This landmark decision demonstrated Sri Lanka’s early and unequivocal support for the Palestinian people and laid the foundation for a lasting diplomatic partnership.

The spirit of solidarity extended beyond government-to-government relations. In 1976, the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine (SLCSP) was established, becoming a prominent civil society platform dedicated to promoting awareness of the Palestinian cause and strengthening public support for Palestine in Sri Lanka. Over the decades, the Committee has played a significant role in fostering people-to-people ties and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s longstanding commitment to Palestinian rights.

Early Recognition of the State of Palestine

When the State of Palestine declared its independence on 15 November 1988, Sri Lanka was among the first nations in the world to extend formal recognition. This timely recognition reflected the depth of Sri Lanka’s support for Palestinian statehood and further strengthened the close bonds between the two peoples.

Since then, successive Sri Lankan governments have consistently reaffirmed their support for a negotiated and peaceful settlement of the Palestinian question, based on international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the realization of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

Consistent Support in International Forums

Sri Lanka’s solidarity with Palestine has been most visibly demonstrated through its consistent positions in international organizations. For decades, Sri Lanka has maintained a strong and principled voting record in support of Palestine at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.

At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Sri Lanka has consistently supported resolutions affirming Palestinian sovereignty, the protection of civilians, the status of Jerusalem, humanitarian assistance, and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. Likewise, at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Sri Lanka has regularly supported resolutions addressing the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and advocating for accountability, justice, and adherence to international humanitarian law.

This steadfast diplomatic position underscores Sri Lanka’s enduring commitment to the principles of international law, human rights, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Strengthening Ties through Parliamentary Diplomacy

An important pillar of bilateral relations has been parliamentary engagement. The Sri Lanka–Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Association has served as a valuable institutional bridge between the legislatures of both countries. Bringing together Members of Parliament from across political parties, the Association reflects the broad national consensus in Sri Lanka regarding support for Palestine.

Through parliamentary exchanges, high-level meetings, joint initiatives, and advocacy efforts, the Association has contributed significantly to strengthening bilateral understanding and reinforcing the historic friendship between the two nations.

Establishment of the Representative Office in Ramallah

A major milestone in bilateral relations was achieved on 1 October 2007 with the formal inauguration of the Representative Office of Sri Lanka in Ramallah. The establishment of Sri Lanka’s diplomatic mission in Palestine marked a new chapter in bilateral engagement and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining a direct and meaningful presence in Palestine.

The opening of the Mission created an important channel for political dialogue, diplomatic cooperation, development partnerships, and people-to-people engagement. It also enabled Sri Lanka to actively support initiatives in education, trade, tourism, capacity building, and cultural exchange while providing closer engagement with Palestinian governmental institutions and the broader international community based in Palestine.

In recognition of Sri Lanka’s steadfast support for Palestine, the road on which the Representative Office is located was named “H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa Road,” symbolizing the deep friendship and mutual respect shared between the two countries.

Expanding Cooperation for the Future

While political solidarity remains the bedrock of Sri Lanka–Palestine relations, contemporary bilateral engagement has evolved into a dynamic and multifaceted partnership encompassing economic, educational, cultural, and developmental cooperation.

Today, the Representative Office actively promotes economic diplomacy by facilitating trade and investment opportunities, connecting business communities, and showcasing Sri Lanka’s export potential in the Palestinian market. Educational cooperation continues to flourish through scholarship programmes, academic exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives that empower Palestinian youth and strengthen institutional partnerships.

Cultural diplomacy has also emerged as an important avenue for engagement, fostering mutual understanding through the exchange of cultural traditions, heritage, arts, and tourism initiatives. These efforts contribute to building stronger people-to-people connections and enriching the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

Looking Ahead

From the establishment of the Palestinian diplomatic mission in Colombo in 1975 to the opening of the Representative Office of Sri Lanka in Ramallah in 2007, the journey of Sri Lanka–Palestine relations has been characterized by consistency, solidarity, and mutual respect.

Today, as both nations continue to navigate an evolving global landscape, Sri Lanka remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian people and committed to deepening bilateral cooperation across all sectors. Guided by the principles of justice, peace, sovereignty, and human dignity, the relationship between Sri Lanka and Palestine stands as a testament to the enduring power of friendship and international solidarity.

The history of Sri Lanka–Palestine relations demonstrates that true partnership is not defined by geographical proximity, but by a shared commitment to common values, mutual support, and a collective aspiration for a more peaceful, just, and prosperous future.