President Maithripala Sirisena, in a message to His Imperial Majesty Emperor Akihito expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies to the victims of the earthquake that struck the Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan on the 14th and 16th of April 2016. The President, further in his message, expressed confidence that the resilient people of Japan will overcome the calamity with their indomitable spirit and courage. The President also expressed the readiness of the government and people of Sri Lanka to stand by with the people of Japan, in a spirit of friendship and solidarity at their time of difficulty.
It is reported that 37 people have died in the series of earthquake that struck the Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan while 2000 people are reported to have been injured and over 73000 people have been evacuated from their home.
The Sri Lanka Embassy in Japan, citing Japanese government sources, has informed that no fatalities or injuries of Sri Lankans have been reported so far.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
17 March 2016
