A Sinhala Buddhist monk led a small demonstration in Colombo expressing solidarity with the United States and Israel, praising both countries for what he described as supporting Sri Lanka in “defeating terrorism”.
Battaramulle Seelarathana, leader of the Jana Setha Peramuna, staged the protest this week with a small group of supporters in the capital. The gathering reportedly consisted of around six participants.
During the demonstration, the group chanted slogans including “Victory to America” and “Victory to Israel”.
Seelarathana said the protest was intended to express Sri Lanka’s gratitude for the assistance provided by the United States and Israel. Both countries provided diplomatic and military support for Colombo throughout decades of armed conflict, that killed tens of thousands of Tamils.
Addressing the media at the protest site, the monk said Sri Lanka should remember the support extended by both countries in the past and called for continued goodwill towards them.
He also voiced support for international political figures including former United States president Donald Trump and the prime minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu.
Seelarathana further emphasised that the contributions made by Israel in particular during difficult periods in Sri Lanka’s history should not be forgotten.
Human rights organisations and Tamils have repeatedly raised concerns over the international assistance provided to the Sri Lankan state during the war, particularly in the final stages of the conflict in 2009 when tens of thousands of Tamil civilians were killed.
The protest comes amid heightened global tensions linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have prompted reactions and demonstrations in several countries around the world.