President Mahinda Rajapaksa has offered condolences to his Afghan counterpart, President Hamid Karzai over the massive landslide that struck Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province last Friday (2nd May 2014).

In a personal message, President Rajapaksa, while conveying deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, and that of his own, has wished a speedy recovery for those injured in this natural disaster. He has also expressed confidence that the inherent resolve and courage of the Afghan people will enable them to overcome this tragedy and rebuild their lives.

The full text of the message is appended below.

His Excellency Hamid Karzai
President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Excellency,

I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of lives and extensive damage to property following the landslide in the village of Hobo, Province of Badakhshan.

The Government and people of Sri Lanka join me in expressing deepest condolences to Your Excellency personally, the Government and people of Afghanistan, particularly the families of the bereaved, and wish a speedy recovery to those injured by this natural disaster.

Calamities of this nature and their impact on the lives of the people are unimaginable, and test human resilience. During your State visit to Sri Lanka in March this year, I recall your articulation on the strength and determination of the Afghan people to build a prosperous country, despite the many challenges. I am confident that this inherent resolve and courage of the Afghan people, particularly those who have suffered immeasurable losses, would have the ability to overcome this tragedy and rebuild their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the people of Afghanistan during this challenging time.

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

Mahinda Rajapaksa
President of Sri Lanka