Palestine Flag Day - Day of Solidarity with Palestine

In a display of solidarity, the Sri Lanka Committee for Solidarity with Palestine, Born To Win Relationships, and the YMCA of Pamunugama, in collaboration with the Embassy of Palestine in Sri Lanka, organized a vibrant kite festival to commemorate Palestine Flag Day. This event, held on September 30, 2023, brought together approximately 100 participants, including embassy delegates from Oman, the Philippines, Turkey, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Cuba, Indonesia, and several other nations. Event was held at the Jetwing Blue Hotel and on the adjoining beach in Negombo.

The first half of the event was held indoors and it included the cutting of a cake, singing the solidarity song for Palestine in Sinhala, Arabic and English. The embassy representatives graced the occasion with heartfelt greetings, reinforcing the bonds of friendship between their nations and Palestine. Their presence added a global dimension to the event, emphasizing the international solidarity that Palestine continues to receive.

The event was compered by Isuru of Pamunugama YMCA. Ridma, the General Secretary of the YMCA of Pamunugama also took the stage to address the gathering. In his speech, he underscored the friendship between Pamunugama YMCA and Palestine, emphasizing the deep-rooted connections that have been fostered over the years.

Ridma also drew attention to the resolution passed at the World Council meeting in Denmark in 2022. This resolution, jointly tabled by Norway, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and Denmark, exemplified the commitment of the YMCA to advocate for freedom from occupation for the people of Palestine. It served as a testament to the organization's dedication to justice on a global scale.

Then the second half of the event began outdoors on the beach with the hoisting of both Sri Lankan and Palestinian flags, and the joyful flight of kites into the clear blue sky. These gestures served as a powerful reminder of the support extended by the Sri Lankan community to the people of Palestine.

As we reflect on this memorable occasion, we are reminded that together, we can make a difference. The kite festival served as a symbol of hope, unity, and unwavering support for Palestine. It is our hope that these shared moments of solidarity will continue to inspire positive change and bring us closer to a world where justice and peace prevail.

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Photo Credit: Nikon Studio, Reality Plaza - Ja Ela