President Mahinda Rajapaksa extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and the victims of the earthquake that struck in Sichuan Province, China on April 20.

In his message to the President of China, Xi Jingping, President Rajapaksa said “Natural disasters and their consequences are beyond human control. Although this earthquake disaster created a sad and depressing situation, I am certain that the Chinese people will courageously face it and recover in the shortest possible time under your able leadership”.

Full text of the message:

His Excellency Xi Jingping,

President of the People`s Republic of China

Excellency,

I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of life and devastation as a result of the earthquake in Sichuan Province, China on 20th April 2013.

I offer my deepest condolences to the members of the bereaved families and sympathies to all those whose lives have been affected. At this hour of grief, the sincere thoughts and prayers of the people of Sri Lanka are with the people of China. I wish a speedy recovery to those who are injured.

Natural disasters and their consequences are beyond human control. Although this earthquake disaster created a sad and depressing situation, I am certain that the Chinese people will courageously face it and recover in the shortest possible time under your able leadership.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.