Condemning the terrorist attack in the strongest possible terms, the Minister Bogollagama expressed the hope that the Government of Pakistan will take all possible steps to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Foreign Minister also extended his profound appreciation to the Government of Pakistan for facilitating the safe and early return of the Cricket Team to Sri Lanka.
Sympathizing with the Sri Lanka Cricket Team, in particular, with those who have sustained injuries, the Pakistan President stated that they were looking at a positive outcome that will lead to the identification of the perpetrators which will serve the concerns of both Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The President also assured the Foreign Minister that all relevant information regarding the investigation process will be shared with the Government of Sri Lanka.
While appreciating the gesture of the President of Sri Lanka in sending the Cricket Team to Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari affirmed the full support of the Government of Pakistan to deal with the common enemy, terrorism in the strongest possible manner.
Foreign Minister Bogollagama opined that “ we could view this attack as an act of terrorism launched against two sovereign countries in one location. Although Sri Lanka has been a victim of terrorism for more than two decades this was the first ever occasion that Sri Lankan nationals have been targeted outside Sri Lanka. Targeting our Cricketers is a cause for deep concern and we need to look into this matter thoroughly to understand the motive behind the attack”. Foreign Minister added that, “Sri Lanka is a country that has been at the forefront in combating terrorism. We are now on the last stage of eliminating terrorism from our land”. The Foreign Minister further noted, “in spite of all the efforts taken by individual countries, terrorism has elevated itself to the extent of targeting more than one country in a single incident. Therefore, the international community should take this situation more seriously”.
“We could view this attack as an act of terrorism launched against two sovereign countries in one location. Although Sri Lanka has been a victim of terrorism for more than two decades this was the first ever occasion that Sri Lankan nationals have been targeted outside Sri Lanka."_______________________
Referring to the most recent SAARC Ministerial Declaration on Cooperation in Combating Terrorism, adopted at the SAARC Council of Ministers meeting in Colombo, the Foreign Minister underscored that it is essential that the international community re-invigorate their efforts to eliminate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations quickly and effectively.
Foreign Minister Bogollagama emphasized that the Government of Sri Lanka owes to the Sri Lankan people that the perpetrators of the terrorist attack are apprehended and brought to justice and expressed the hope that the Government of Pakistan would do its upmost in this regard.
Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Interior, Rehman Malik and Senior Officials of the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan, were associated with the President in the discussion.
Foreign Minister Bogollagama was accompanied by the High Commissioner designate for Sri Lanka in Pakistan, Air Chief Marshal[Retired] Jayalath Weerakkody, Director General of SAARC and South Asia Division of the Foreign Ministry, Ranjith Uyangoda and Officials of the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pakistan. -Sri Lanka Guardian
 On the advice of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama rushed to ...){kind=link}
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