Sri Lanka condemns terrorist outrage in Mumbai

(November 27, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama has strongly condemned the multiple terrorist attacks on the Indian financial hub of Mumbai last night (26 November 2008), which claimed the lives of over a hundred civilians and left scores of others injured.

In a message to his Indian counterpart, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister has stated that the savage terrorist attacks underscore the urgent need to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He has also expressed Sri Lanka’s readiness to stand shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against this menace, with resolve, which poses a clear danger to international peace and security.

Here is the full text of the Foreign Minister’s message,

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
27 November 2008

His Excellency Shri Pranab Mukherjee
Minister of External Affairs
New Delhi.


Your Excellency,

I have received with deep shock, news of the dastardly terrorist attacks in Mumbai last night which have killed over a hundred innocent civilians and left scores of others injured.

As reports emerge, the true magnitude and the well-coordinated nature of these multiple attacks on civilian targets, including hospitals, a key railway station, major hotels and other public locations, point to a well-planned terrorist conspiracy to cause maximum civilian casualties and disrupt normal activity in this bustling metropolis of India.

I strongly condemn these savage terrorist attacks, which underscore the urgent need to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Sri Lanka stands ready shoulder to shoulder with India in the fight against this menace, with resolve, which poses a clear danger to international peace and security.

I extend my sincere condolences to the bereaved families. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who have been injured and wish them a speedy recovery.

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

Rohitha Bogollagama M.P.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Sri Lanka Guardian