President Mahinda Rajapaksa has written to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan pledging support to combat terrorism, in the wake of the recent deadly terrorist attack on the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.
While condemning the incident, President Rajapaksa has stated that Sri Lanka, having been a victim of terrorism for nearly three decades, can empathize with Pakistan’s dreadful experience in this instance.
The full text of the President’s letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is as follows:
His Excellency Muhammad Nawaz Sharif
Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Excellency,
I am deeply shocked to learn of the heinous terrorist attack on the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi last night, killing several security forces personnel and civilian employees. The Government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in vehemently condemning this attack which is a deliberate attempt to cause mayhem and damage to vital infrastructure servicing international travel and commerce. Sri Lanka, having been a victim of terrorism for nearly three decades, can empathize with Pakistan’s dreadful experience in this instance.
The professionalism of the Pakistani security forces and their effective action which mitigated wider damage is commendable. This incident demonstrates the urgent need to further intensify international cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations in the interest of global peace and security. In this context, we, in Sri Lanka recall with profound gratitude the invaluable support of Pakistan to eradicate terrorism in our country. Sri Lanka will continue to stand by Pakistan in combating terrorism.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, I offer our deepest condolences to the Government and the people of Pakistan, and share the grief of the bereaved family members in their hour of great adversity. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and the injured as they cope with this tragedy.
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.
Mahinda Rajapaksa
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
June 9, 2014
Message in PDF
Ministry of External Affairs
Colombo.
11 June 2014.
