Participants at a peaceful protest, led by Dr. Sudath Dewapura, gather in front of the World Buddhist Federation, in Colombo on October 31 to show solidarity with the people of Palestine, who are suffering enormous hardships due to the bombings carried out by Israel in the Gaza. (Pic by Pradeep Pathirana)  

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” chanted people as they participated in a protest led by Dr. Sudath Dewapura in front of the World Buddhist Federation – Sri Lanka on October 31 (Tuesday). It was a peaceful protest in portraying the support of the Sri Lankans towards the legitimate cause of gaining access to one’s fundamental rights.   

Sri Lankans have come together to express their support towards the Palestinians by organising peaceful protests to spread awareness on this situation and stand in protest against the killing of at least 3,324 children in Gaza since October 7. There was also a protest that took place on October 18 (Wednesday) where hundreds of people took to the streets in Colombo and gathered in front of the Palestinian Embassy (Colombo). The protest concluded with a march to the Office of the UN Representative. The protesters were driven with the same motive and cause; to free Palestine. This limitation and infringement of the Palestinian’s basic human rights is a significant concern globally and the core of the Israeli and Palestinian conflict; which in its course claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions. Palestinians have long sought recognition of their right to self-determination, which includes the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. However, with the blockade of Gaza, the ability to exercise this right is limited. The restrictions imposed by the occupiers on their freedom of movement and access to essential services, including healthcare, education and clean water have been notably condemned by many human rights organizations.  

“Oh people of the world, corporate companies are behind the wars” and “Stop bombing Gaza” were the wordings in some of the banners that were held by the protesters to ensure the message was spread far and wide and that the people will be more aware and question the roots of this conflict.  
Therefore, protests in support of the Palestinian cause have been a global phenomenon over the past few weeks. These demonstrations are often organised to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and raise awareness globally.  

The long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is rooted in the disputes over land in the trajectory of history. Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, in their continuous quest to seek recognition of their rights to self-determination and statehood, have been shackled by the Israeli Government’s policies and its implemented framework in its region.   

Protests in support of Palestinians have taken place in many parts of the world while the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a subject of international concern and ongoing diplomatic efforts. In a country that was till recently affected by religion tension, the protests that took place in Sri Lanka also acted as a catalyst to bring communities of different faiths together while representing one major cause. Countless individuals around the world, irrespective of religion, culture, background and beliefs, have engaged in these solidarity protests to show their support for a just and peaceful resolution to this conflict. It was dismaying to the many present at this protest to know the continuity of this conflict to this date with ongoing tensions, occasional violence and competing claims to the land. For these reasons, these demonstrations aim to shed light on the plight of the Palestinian people and enact their cries of expressing grief and hope in achieving a lasting solution. “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians,” is a notable prophecy by acclaimed fighter for peace and justice, Nelson Mandela.