Civil society groups, political representatives and activists in Sri Lanka on Wednesday (13) called for urgent public and diplomatic support to ensure the safety of Sri Lankan participant Sameera Mahboobdeen and other members of a humanitarian mission set to sail towards Gaza from Turkey on Thursday (14).
The appeal was made by the Free Palestine Movement – Sri Lanka (FPM), which said the Global Sumud Flotilla, expected to include more than 50 vessels, aims to deliver medical supplies and humanitarian assistance to Gaza amid ongoing conflict and restrictions on the territory.
Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, FPM representatives urged the government and the public to remain engaged on the safety of Sri Lankan participants, saying the mission involves significant risks as it attempts to reach Gaza by sea.
They also referred to past flotilla incidents in which vessels were intercepted in international waters, highlighting concerns over the security of those taking part.
Several speakers, including political representatives and activists, called on authorities to ensure support for Mahboobdeen in the event of any interception and to facilitate her safe return.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya MP Mujibur Rahman and other participants stressed the importance of public awareness and government involvement in safeguarding Sri Lankan nationals involved in the mission.
The group also criticised aspects of Sri Lanka’s foreign engagement related to Israel, while reiterating their broader call for attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is scheduled to depart from Turkey on Thursday (14). (Newswire)