JVP points out disastrous consequences if Ranil sends naval vessel to Red Sea

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The declaration by President Ranil Wickremesinghe that Sri Lanka will send a naval vessel to the Red Sea will have disastrous consequences for Sri Lanka in the international stage, National People’s Power (NPP) stalwart Sunil Handunnetti says.

Handunneti said that Houthi rebels were not targeting all vessels that sailed in the Red Sea and by involving ourselves in someone else’s war Sri Lanka might face the ire of dangerous elements.

Handunnetti said that Sri Lanka had a lot of friends in the Middle East because Sri Lanka is known as a country supportive of Palestine.

“Everyone knows that the US-led alliance which wants to patrol the Red Sea is pro-Israeli. By declaring that we will send a naval vessel we are likely to make a lot of enemies.”

“The world opinion is against Israel. There is a lot of animosity towards the countries that support Israel, too. Even in countries where the governments support Israel, the people support Palestine. Leaders who support Israel are losing elections. Even if Israel obliterates Gaza, there won’t be a victory because the world has turned against it,” he said.

Handunnetti said that by joining the US-led alliance in the Red Sea, Sri Lanka would expose itself to Houthi attacks.

“Given the serious consequences, how does the President make such a declaration? Who has given him a mandate? Shouldn’t this kind of crucial decision be taken after a serious discussion?”