Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Delegates and Colleagues,

As we mark today, the fortieth year of the unacceptable occupation of the Palestinian lands, including the East Jerusalem, we steadfastly extend the unequivocal and sincere support of the people of Sri Lanka to the Palestinian people in their just struggle to obtain inalienable rights including the right to statehood and right to return to their lands.

We appreciate the continuing efforts taken by this Committee since 1975, to promote the full realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian People and the commitment of the Committee to garner the support of the international community to safeguard the interests of the Palestinian People. Today's solemn event to mark the fortieth anniversary of occupation of Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem is yet another important initiative of the Committee to keep the attention of the international community alive and focused on the inalienable rights and suffering of the Palestinian people.

Untiring efforts by the international community over the last four decades to bring peace and security in the region have yet to bear concrete results, or to provide lasting solutions to the aspirations of the Palestinian people or to mitigate their suffering. The comprehensive settlement envisaged in the Road Map under the auspices of the Quartet as well as the more recent initiative by Saudi Arabia and endorsed by the Beirut Arab League Summit are some encouraging developments.

Over the last forty years, the Palestinian people have undergone severe hardships and their human rights have been repeatedly violated under Israeli military occupation. There is no end in sight for this suffering and deprivation. This dire situation by all means is a matter of deep concern to all peace loving people. The continuous occupation and military action have resulted in loss of valuable human lives and the livelihood of many thousands of Palestinian people, and very large numbers have been displaced and uprooted from their homeland.

Sri Lanka's commitment towards the Palestine people remains undiminished at all times. We strongly believe that only a negotiated settlement between the parties to the conflict leading to an independent and democratic state of Palestine based on Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515 with East Jerusalem as its Capital, living side-by-side with Israel could bring peace and stability to the region.

I thank you.