President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (3) called on all parties engaged in the escalating war in the Middle East to commit, without delay, to building a peaceful world, warning that the conflict poses a serious threat to the global economy and to vulnerable nations such as Sri Lanka.

Delivering a special statement in Parliament, the President said that any armed conflict, particularly in an era of advanced and destructive weaponry, carries the potential for widespread devastation. He stressed that Sri Lanka’s position is clear and consistent: peace must be pursued urgently through responsible leadership and international cooperation.

“All parties involved in this war must, without delay, make the necessary commitment and provide the leadership required to establish a peaceful world,” he told the House.

The President cautioned that the current crisis could have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate theatre of conflict, affecting global markets, livelihoods and economic stability. Sri Lanka, still in the process of stabilising its economy following recent hardships, would not be immune to such shocks, he noted.

While expressing hope that tensions would ease swiftly, the President emphasised that the Government was preparing for all possible scenarios. “We hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” he said, underlining the need for prudence amid uncertainty.

He added that Sri Lanka believes the crisis cannot be resolved through unilateral action, but only through a shared international commitment to peace and stability. The Government, he said, would continue to monitor developments closely while taking necessary steps to safeguard national interests and protect the public from potential fallout.