27.7.2008

H.E President Mahinda Rajapaksa while unreservedly condemning the terrorist attacks in Ahmedabad and Bangalore, India as cowardly attempts further extended deepest sympathies to the families of those killed in a communiqué released by the Presidential Secretariat today (July 27).

He further asserted that, Sri Lanka being a country gravely affected by the scourge of terrorism for more than two decades, "our people express solidarity with India in these difficult hours, and remain firm in our commitment to jointly fight the menace of terrorism in all of South Asia".
Following is the text of the statement from President Mahinda Rajapaksa condemning the terrorist attacks in India in the last two days.

I unreservedly condemn the cowardly terrorist attacks in Ahmedabad, India, yesterday, killing and injuring a large number of persons, as well as the terrorist attacks in Bangalore the previous day.

I extend my deepest sympathies to the families of all those killed and wish a speedy recovery to all injured in these wanton acts of terror by the forces ranged against democracy.

Sri Lanka being a country gravely affected by the scourge of terrorism for more than two decades, we understand well how the manipulators of terror seek to destroy the harmonious relations among communities and the democratic traditions that prevail in our societies.

My Government and I share the determination and commitment of the Government and people of India not to yield to this sustained threat of terror from those who seek to achieve their ends by inflicting maximum damage to the lives and limbs of civilians, disrupting their day to day lives and society at large.

My Government and I express our solidarity with India in these difficult hours, and remain firm in our commitment to jointly fight the menace of terrorism in all of South Asia.