Fri Oct 25 02:18:02 UTC 2024: **Summary of News Article:**

1. **Rejection of Media Claims:** The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka denied reports that the country had not signed a joint letter supporting the UN Secretary General amid recent remarks from Israel’s Foreign Minister designating the Secretary General as “persona non grata.”

2. **Official Communication:** Sri Lanka communicated its intention to sign the letter on October 11, 2024, through a Note Verbale sent to Chile’s Permanent Mission in New York, which coordinated the joint effort.

3. **Support for Palestinian Cause:** The Ministry reiterated Sri Lanka’s consistent support for the Palestinian cause and highlighted concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire.

4. **Condemnation of Violence Against UN Personnel:** Sri Lanka condemned recent attacks affecting UN peacekeepers, specifically an incident that injured two Sri Lankan peacekeepers at UNIFIL’s headquarters in South Lebanon, emphasizing the need to protect UN personnel and their premises.

5. **Commitment to Human Rights:** Sri Lanka chairs the UN Special Committee investigating Israeli practices affecting the rights of Palestinians and remains supportive of the letter defending the UN Secretary General and the UN’s mandate.

6. **Additional Local News:** Other news included the shocking cancellation of a project affecting Japan, police actions against former officials, travel warnings, and incidents involving political figures and events in Sri Lanka.

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