President, FM condole with India [Thursday, July 13, 2006 - 9.00 GMT]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking to media personnel yesterday said the bomb attacks that hit India on Tuesday (July 11) comprised a major tragedy to strike Sri Lanka’s closest neighbour and he had no doubt his own shock and sadness would be shared by all Sri Lankans who valued peace and the democratic process.

The President also telephoned his Indian counterpart President Abdul Kalam last night to personally offer his condolences to India. Eight explosions hit Mumbai's commuter rail network during the evening rush hour, killing 200 and wounding 714, July 11, 2006.

The President said it was at a time such as this that the importance of collective action against terrorism became more evident.

President Rajapaksa said these attacks should impress on all peace loving countries and peoples of the world of the need for close and concerted action to combat the menace of terrorism, now affecting an increasing number of countries.

“There is a need to combine and coordinate the work of all countries against these cowardly acts of terrorism, which threaten peace and democracy, and brings untold tragedy to families and societies,” President Rajapaksa said.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera too in a message of condolence to his Indian counterpart H E E. Ahamed, Minister of State for External Affairs, said there can never be any justification for the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians.

“Having experienced the effects of terrorism first hand, Sri Lanka knows well the misery and destruction it creates…Sri Lanka stands firm with the international community in defeating terrorism in all its forms and by whoever it is committed”, he said.

[Full text of the Foreign Minister’s message]

H. E. E. Ahamed,

Minister of State for External Affairs,

Republic of India

Your Excellency,

I was shocked and saddened to hear of the cowardly terrorist bomb attacks in Mumbai and Srinagar on 11 July targeting innocent civilians.

I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and also wish a speedy recovery to those who suffered injury in the explosions.

Having experienced the effects of terrorism first hand, Sri Lanka knows well the misery and destruction it creates.There can never be any justification for the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians.

Sri Lanka stands firm with the international community in defeating terrorism in all its forms and by whoever it is committed.

Please accept Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Mangala Samaraweera

Minister of Foreign Affairs

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Last Updated Date: July 13, 2006 -9.00 GMT