Former Afghan leaders death: President condoles [September 23 2011]

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, condeming the suicide attack on Tuesday, he said he is deeply grieved by the death of Afghanistans former president Prof. Burhanuddin Rabbani, who was assassinated.

In a condolence message sent to Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, the President condemned the attack and offered the Sri Lankan peoples and the governments condolences to the family of the assassinated High Peace Council Chairman.

"I was deeply grieved to hear the news of the assassination of former President of Afghanistan and Chairman of the High Peace Council, Professor Burhanudin Rabbani, earlier. The Government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in condemning this dastardly act of terror that has led to the silencing of an advocate of peace and offer deepest condolences to the members of the family of Prof. Rabbani.

Sri Lanka will continue to stand steadfast in her resolve to combat violent extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and to safeguard the security of the peace-loving people of our region.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were wounded and with the peace-loving people of Afghanistan during this time", he said in a statement.