Sri Lanka, May 17 -- Civic society organisations, political representatives and activists in Sri Lanka this week called for urgent public and diplomatic backing to ensure the safety of Sri Lankan participant Sameera Mahboobdeen, as the Global Sumud Flotilla commenced sailing towards Gaza from Turkey on Thursday (14), amid fears of possible interception by Israeli forces.

The international humanitarian mission, expected to involve more than 50 vessels will deliver medical aid and essential supplies to Gaza's nearly two million residents, including more than one million children, in an attempt to challenge Israel's long-standing blockade on the territory.

At a press briefing in Colombo, the Free Palestine Movement (FPM) Sri Lanka urged bo...