The Sri Lankan Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement to media recently expressing the government's concern over the people of Gaza.

After over two weeks of increased border violence the situation in Gaza has not yet changed. The Israeli troops have continue to barrage the city with shells causing immense property damage and loss of lives in high hundreds.

The Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned at the recent escalating violence in Gaza, resulting in tragic loss of civilian lives and extensive damage to property. C

ross border provocations on locations in parts of Israel also need to cease.

Sri Lanka calls upon the parties concerned to exercise utmost restraint in a bid to halt the violence and ensure a climate conducive to the recommencement of negotiations for a lasting solution to the conflict.Sri Lanka calls upon the parties to engage at the earliest in direct dialogue which is the only viable initiative for sustained peace and security in the region.

Sri Lanka is, therefore confident that since both parties wish to secure the right to life for their peoples, concerted action would be taken towards this end.