Sri Lanka reiterates rejection of US announcement over Jerusalem

Colombo, (WAFA): The Government of Sri Lanka on Sunday reiterated its rejection of US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel with plans to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.

The Sri Lankan Government revealed its position during a meeting between Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Atul Keshap at the prime minister’s office in Colombo.

Wickremesinghe said the decision of the US recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel would threaten the peace process in the Middle East.

He reiterated his country’s firm position on the Palestinian issue, especially with regard to the city of Jerusalem, pointing out that Sri Lanka was following on with this matter.

Earlier on Sunday, Sri Lankan Government Spokesman and Minister of Health Rajitha Senaratne announced his country’s rejection of the US administration’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel at a press conference.

He stressed that Sri Lanka’s position is clear on the Palestinian issue, with it asking “to keep Tel Aviv as the capital of Israel. The Sri Lankan Embassy will never transfer its embassy to Jerusalem,” he said.

Senaratne added that the US had been informed of his country’s position. 

“The US has become isolated because of the unilateral declaration by President Donald Trump on Jerusalem, which all European countries have also rejected.”

He said that a sit-in will be held on Friday in the capital Colombo in support of Jerusalem and to show solidarity with the Palestinian people as well as protest the US move.

Senaratne stressed that the final status of Jerusalem is to be determined by final status negotiations, in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations.