The United States while condemning the LTTE terrorist attack on Monday (April 6) which killed 14 people including Government Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, a former Olympian K.A Karunarathne and national athletic coach Lakshman de Alwis, stated that its perpetrators have achieved nothing other than to cause further suffering among the people of Sri Lanka.

The U.S embassy in Colombo made these remarks in a press release issued today (7) while expressing States Government's condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to all Sri Lankans for this tragic loss.

Full text of the press release issued by the United States embassy in Colombo.

The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attack on April 6 in Weliweriya, Gampaha District that claimed the life of Minister of Highways and Road Development and Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.

Also killed in this heinous attack were National Athletic Coach Lakshman de Alwis, well- known marathon runner K.A. Karunaratne, and several other persons, while scores more were injured.

Minister Fernandopulle was a friend and valued colleague for many Americans. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to all Sri Lankans for this tragic loss.

The United States denounces this vicious and reprehensible terrorist attack on civilians in the strongest possible terms. Its perpetrators have achieved nothing other than to cause further suffering among the people of Sri Lanka. Only a political solution, not continued violence, offers the way forward to end the country's conflict.