As tensions escalate in the Middle East, many global actors have failed to correctly identify the source of the conflict. A section of Sri Lanka’s political circles appears caught in the same blind spot. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that Iran should not be protected by international law, remarking that “now is not the time” for Europeans to lecture the United States and Israel about legality—effectively turning a blind eye to accusations that their attacks on Iran broke international law. What lessons has Sri Lanka learned from this war politics in the Middle East?

When it comes to Israel, many in Sri Lanka instinctively align with its adversaries. The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the main opposition party, condemned U.S.–Israel actions against Iran, calling them violations of international law and the UN Charter. Predictably, pro‑Iran Muslim politicians in the opposition criticized Israel and denounced the government’s silence. Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, along with several MPs, demanded parliamentary debate on the war against Iran—a regime that openly chants “Death to the U.S.” and “Death to Israel.”

Such uproars are not difficult to understand. They reflect appeasement tactics aimed at courting Muslim voters against the ruling party. History offers parallels: President Ranasinghe Premadasa once........

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