Colombo, May 11 – Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday lauded the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, calling it a “significant step towards peace” in the region.
The announcement comes a day after India and Pakistan agreed to halt all firing and military action along the Line of Control and the International Border. The development follows heightened tensions triggered by Indian armed forces targeting terror launchpads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) last week in retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam attack.
In a formal statement, President Dissanayake expressed his support for the decision, stating, “On behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, I commend this significant step towards peace.”
He emphasized that the cessation of hostilities is critical for safeguarding innocent lives and creating conditions for enduring regional stability. “The immediate cessation of hostilities is not only a vital measure to protect innocent lives on both sides but also a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace and stability in our region,” the statement said.
The Sri Lankan President also praised both nations for choosing diplomacy over conflict. “I deeply appreciate the decision by both nations to pursue dialogue over conflict, and I applaud their leadership for demonstrating true statesmanship in choosing diplomacy and restraint at this critical juncture,” he added.
Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to regional harmony, Dissanayake said, “As a close neighbour and long-standing friend of both India and Pakistan, Sri Lanka remains hopeful that this ceasefire will lay the foundation for a peaceful and constructive resolution of long-standing issues through continued engagement.”
The ceasefire agreement has been widely viewed as a positive move amidst rising regional tensions, with hopes now pinned on sustained dialogue between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
