President Mahinda Rajapaksa sent a condolence message to Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai on the assassination of former President of Afghanistan and Chairman of the High Peace Council, Professor Burhanudin Rabbani, yesterday (22).

The Government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in condemning this dastardly act of terror that has led to the silencing of an advocate of peace and offer deepest condolences to the members of the family of Prof. Rabbani, President Rajapaksa said.

"Sri Lanka will continue to stand steadfast in her resolve to combat violent extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to safeguard the security of the peace-loving people of our region," he added.

The full text of the message:

H.E. Hamid Karzai

President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

I was deeply grieved to hear the news of the assassination of former President of Afghanistan and Chairman of the High Peace Council, Professor Burhanudin Rabbani, earlier today.

The Government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in condemning this dastardly act of terror that has led to the silencing of an advocate of peace and offer deepest condolences to the members of the family of Prof. Rabbani.

Sri Lanka will continue to stand steadfast in her resolve to combat violent extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to safeguard the security of the peace-loving people of our region.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were wounded and with the peace-loving people of Afghanistan during this time.

May Your Excellency and the people of Afghanistan be blessed with the strength to continue to strive for peace in your land .

Mahinda Rajapaksa

President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka