Sri Lanka has denounced the multiple bomb blasts that occurred in the Indian State of Assam as well as the car bomb explosion at the University of Navarra in the Spanish city of Pamplona on October 30 causing death and injury to a large number of civilians.

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has extended the heartfelt condolences of all Sri Lankans to those bereaved by these attacks and expressed the hope that the challenge posed by the terrorists will be met with resolve.

Describing terrorism as a global threat, Minister Bogollagama has called on the international community to take concerted collective action to eradicate this scourge.

The Minister also underscored the SAARC stand that terrorism is a major threat to all civilized societies and to democracy, and its determination to combat the menace with greater resolve.

Foreign Minister’s messages:

On the blasts in Assam:

“It is with great distress that we in Sri Lanka have learnt of the bomb blasts on 30th October in several locations of the Indian State of Assam that have, according to media reports resulted in the deaths of 62 persons and injuries to over 300.

“The terrorist perpetrators of these blasts have designed them in the most cowardly and cruelest possible manner, by targeting innocent civilians in a serial sequence.

“We, Sri Lankans extend our heartfelt condolences to those bereaved by the blasts, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery. We are confident that the challenge posed by the terrorists through these blasts will be met with resolve and that the law enforcement authorities will soon bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The SAARC fraternity views terrorism as a major threat to all civilized societies and to democracy, and stands for combating the menace with greater resolve”.

On the blasts in Pamplona, Spain:

“The sad news of the bomb explosion at the University of Navarra in the city of Pamplona yesterday is of much concern to Sri Lanka.

“We unreservedly condemn this terrorist act which has deliberately targeted innocent civilians. This demonstrates the evil intent of terrorists who have callous disregard to human life. Spain and Sri Lanka both suffer at the hands of terrorists and understand the challenges posed in countering this menace.

“We have also witnessed the escalation of terrorism in the South Asian region and the world over. With terrorism having become a global threat, Sri Lanka has repeatedly called on the international community to take concerted collective action in eradicating this scourge.

“Our thoughts are with the innocent victims of this tragedy and their families and share your anguish in this regard.”