President condemns twin blasts in Hyderabad

President Mahinda Rajapaksa today (August 27) vehemently condemned the cowardly terrorist attack in Hyderabad in India that killed 42 innocent civilians and injured over 50 others on Saturday (August 25).

In a letter to Indian President, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil , President Rajapaksa expressed his empathy towards the Indian people saying that " Sri Lanka being a victim of terrorism" would well understand the "pain and grief of the victims of this senseless violence, and the threat to social cohesion and democracy caused by such acts of terrorism".

Read below the full text of the letter:

H.E. Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil
President of the Republic of India

Excellency,

I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the cowardly and despicable terror attack on innocent civilians at Hyderabad last Saturday Evening.

My Government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in vehemently condemning this act of savagery which has caused considerable death and injury.

Sri Lanka being a victim of terrorism, largely funded and armed by external sources, understands well the pain and grief of the victims of this senseless violence, and the threat to social cohesion and democracy caused by such acts of terrorism.

I reiterate the commitment of my government to assist in combating terrorism in the South Asian region, and express our solidarity with the Government and the people of India in their efforts to overcome the increasing challenge posed by terrorism.

Let me, Excellency, convey my deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and wish speedy recovery to those injured.

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

Mahinda Rajapaksa