Namal meets Palestine President Abbas

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has sent a high powered official delegation headed by MP Namal Rajapaksa to Palestine. The delegation arrived in Ramallah on 18 February.

The other leading members of the delegation are Deputy Minister of Technology and Research and MP Faizer Mustapha, Secretary Ministry of External Affairs K. Amunugama, MP Dr. Rohana Pushpakumara,  Senior Asst. Secretary to President Indika Karunajeewa, Coordinating Secretary to Minister of External Affairs T.N Gamlath and three other officials.

Namal Rajapaksa delivered a special message from President Mahinda Rajapaksa to President Mahmoud Abbas and held discussions on bilateral matters about the implementation of the MOU signed in 2008 during the visit of President Mahmoud Abbas to Sri Lanka. President Abbas hosted a lunch in honour of the delegation at the Presidential Palace Muqataa.

The delegation also called on Prime Minister Dr. Salam Fayyad and held bilateral discussions. Later the delegation met Dr. Riyad Al-Malki, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

The other meetings will be with Maher Ghneim, Minister of State for the Wall and Settlements Affairs. Minister briefed the delegation about the difficulties faced by Palestinians as a result of the wall that is separating the people from their families, hospitals, schools etc.

Illegal colonies on the Palestinian lands forcibly taken by Israel are another major problem facing the Palestinians. The next meeting was with Issa Qaraqi’, Minister for Detainees and Ex-Detainees.

The delegation visited the tomb of Martyr Yasser Arafat and laid a wreath and made a special visit to Mahinda Rajapaksa Road in Beitunia.

Mayor of Beitunia Arafat Khalaf received the delegation at the entrance of the road. Minister Rajapaksa planted a Bodhi Tree at Beitunia Park to mark his visit.

Mayor hosted a dinner to the delegation, and the Board member of the Palestine – Sri Lanka Friendship Society were present at the dinner.

During the visit to Bethlehem the delegation received by Governor of Bethlehem, Abdulfatah Hamayel. They visited the Church of Nativity, Economic Products Exhibition and Aida Refugee Camp.

Later, representative of Sri Lanka in Palestine Dr. T. Jayasinghe hosted a dinner at the Residence.

On the final day the delegation will meet Head of Palestinian Investment Promotion Agency Jaafar Hdaib and discuss the investment opportunities in Sri Lanka and Palestine.

The final meeting will be with Legislative Council Members in Ramallah.

The delegation will also visit Peace Pagoda at the Garden of Nations. Mayor of Ramallah Janet Michael will receive the delegation at the entrance of the Garden.

The palestinian Community feels that this visit of Namal Rajapaksa will strengthen the bonds of friendship between Palestine and Sri Lanka. (Asian Tribune)