[ACPlayer]

Further research on this subject reveals that Israel and Sri Lanka have had diplomatic relations off and on over the past 30 odd years. Last established in 2000. However, there have, apparently, always been generally friendly back channel contacts between the countries. Sri Lanka has had strong ties with the Islamic Middle East Countries and the PLO and along with a number of other (supposedly non-aligned) Asian countries has been slow in establishing diplomatic relations with Israel.

There has been a history of arms sales from Israel to Sri Lanka and the use of advisors in the use of these arms.

I still cannot speculate on the reasons of the initial refusal to accept aid. Of course politics may have played a role.