Israel: Sri Lanka's persistent foreign policy paradox

THE NPP Government's recent decision to grant visa-free travel to citizens of Israel has caused anger and resentment among Sri Lanka's Muslim community as well as human rights groups. The controversial move comes in the backdrop of even countries like Germany that have historically sided with the Jewish State expressing firm disapproval of the Benjamin Netanyahu-led administration's actions that have led to a humanitarian catastrophe in the crisis-torn Gaza.

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The blockade has resulted in severe shortages of food and water, causing immense suffering and death among civilians of Palestine. Individuals across the political spectrum have called upon the administration to reverse the seemingly pro-Israel decision.

Interestingly, the NPP/JVP politicians were staunch critics of Israel before coming into power and their prominent leaders have been passionate advocates of the cause of Palestine going back to decades since the formation of the JVP. Leader of the House cum Transport Minister Bimal Ratnayake is the co-chairman of the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine.

Denouncing Israel in the strongest terms while in the opposition and then extending friendship after assuming power has been a recurring occurrence in the political spectrum of this land and the practice continues unabated with unsurprising monotony despite the present Government leaders having assured the public that they would be different from the rest.