President Mahinda Rajapaksa has sent a message to his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping, condemning the terrorist attack targeting civilians at a railway station in Urumqi, capital of China’s northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region last Wednesday (30th April 2014).
The text of the message is as follows:

His Excellency Xi Jinping
President of the People’s Republic of China

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, I vehemently denounce the terrorist attack at a railway station in Urumqi. Clearly, the perpetrators of this cowardly attack had targeted innocent civilians, a large number whom have been injured. Attacking unarmed civilians demonstrates the cruel and barbaric nature of terrorism.

The Government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in extending our heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of China, particularly the members of the bereaved family, and also wish a speedy recovery for those who have been injured in this incident.

The people of Sri Lanka who had suffered immensely under the yoke of terrorism for almost three decades, until its eradication from Sri Lankan soil just five years ago, share the pain and anguish of the Chinese people over this wanton act of terrorism.

This incident yet again underscores the danger that terrorism poses to all of humanity, and the urgent need for decisive and concerted action to eradicate this menace.

While condemning this heinous attack unreservedly, let me assure Your Excellency of Sri Lanka’s steadfast solidarity with the Government of China in fighting against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.

Mahinda Rajapaksa
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka