President condemns attack

President Maithripala Sirisena, condemning the terrorist act and taking of hostages in the Diplomatic conclave in Dhaka, Bangladesh, expressed his condolence to the Government and the people of Bangladesh over the incident.

In his message, the President said that the Government and the people of Sri Lanka strongly condemn terrorist acts in all its manifestations especially involving innocent civilians.

"At this hour of grief, the Government and people of Sri Lanka stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Bangladesh, in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism and stress the need for urgent and sustained regional and global cooperation to eliminate the menace of terrorism", he stated.

The full text of the message by President Sirisena; "It was with great shock that I learnt of the terrorist act and hostage taking in the Diplomatic conclave in Dhaka, Bangladesh in which at least 20 innocent civilians, including 2 Sri Lankan expatriates, were taken hostage.

The Government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in strongly condemning terrorist acts in all its manifestations especially involving innocent civilians.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been closely monitoring the situation and is coordinating with the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Dhaka in providing necessary assistance to the two Sri Lankans who are presently receiving medical assistance. The Government of Sri Lanka extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Bangladesh for the speedy recovery of those who were injured, including the members of the Bangladesh military and police, who risked their lives in carrying out their duties in the rescue operation.

At this hour of grief, the Government and people of Sri Lanka stand in solidarity with the Government and people of Bangladesh, in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism and stress the need for urgent and sustained regional and global cooperation to eliminate the menace of terrorism."