The Foreign Ministry said today that Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the attacks and escalation of violence and the resulting loss of life in Israel and Palestine.

“Sri Lanka calls for an immediate halt to violence and calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further civilian casualties”, a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry said.

The message said Sri Lanka remains committed to supporting a negotiated settlement in line with the internationally agreed parameters of two states living side by side on the basis of the 1967 borders.

“We extend our deepest condolences to all those who lost loved ones and express our sympathies to the affected families.

The Sri Lanka Missions in Tel Aviv and Ramallah are monitoring the situation closely and are in contact with Sri Lankans living in the affected areas. So far, one Sri Lankan has sustained minor injuries.”