Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) National List MP Sujeewa Senasinghe has withdrawn a letter convening the inaugural meeting of a proposed Sri Lanka–Israel Parliamentary Friendship Association, admitting it was issued in error.

The notice, dated 4 September, had invited Members of Parliament to join the proposed body and attend its inaugural meeting scheduled for 12 September in Parliament.

The move came against the backdrop of strong opposition within the SJB to Israel’s actions in Gaza, with several prominent MPs, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, voicing criticism.

In a statement, Senasinghe described the letter as the result of an “error and lapse” and confirmed that he had informed parliamentary authorities in writing to cancel the initiative.