- To take measures to minimise impact on businesses/econ.
Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Samantha Vidyarathna claimed that the Government will take all possible measures to minimise the impact that the Israel-Iran conflict will have on local businesses, the country’s economy and the daily lives of all Sri Lankans.
Speaking on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Vidyarathna stated that they will take care of the people since it is their responsibility. He confirmed that the Cabinet of Ministers which met on Monday (23) also discussed in detail the crisis in the Middle East (ME) and the measures needed to be taken to lessen the adverse impact on Sri Lanka.
Vidyarathna stated that when the country is faced with challenges, they will address them by making timely interventions. According to him, steps must be taken to deescalate the war situation and establish peace for the sake of all humans.
Meanwhile, the People’s Struggle Alliance observed that the National People’s Power Government, which holds the post of the Co-Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine, has yet to take a definitive position on Palestine.
The statement sent by the Alliance to the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry read: “The Government seems to be attempting a balancing act; to both stand in solidarity with Palestine whilst simultaneously placating Israel and the United States. This is by no means a political position that the Sri Lankan State should hold in the face of an ongoing genocide. Stop sending Sri Lankan workers to Israel, particularly as there are no measures in place to ensure that our citizens are not placed to work in illegally occupied territories or where they might be in direct danger of being injured or killed. Take immediate measures to remove all unlawfully set up Israeli-owned businesses and chabad houses, spread across our Southern and Eastern coastal regions and other tourist spots. Stop providing public funded Police security to chabad houses across the country. If they require protection, they are free to hire personnel from private security services. Specifically instruct all tour operators and small scale guest house owners to stop offering retreat packages targeting Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers to vacation in Sri Lanka, and to not provide employment opportunities to IDF soldiers during their stay here. Strictly impose and regulate visas given to Israeli tourists, as many have overstayed for years, and unlawfully set up businesses and chabad houses here. Take strict action against Israeli soldiers and tourists who have displayed aggressive and racist behaviour towards local and other foreign communities, especially within the surf community. Put an immediate stop to the distribution of Zionist propaganda such as flags, posters, flyers, clothing, etc. (including depictions of IDF soldiers on duty) by Israeli business owners and tourists, in public spaces.”