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Paris bloodbath: Lanka calls for world action against terrorism
View(s):In the aftermath of the brutal Paris terrorist attacks which have shocked the world, Sri Lanka yesterday called on the international community to unite in combatting the menace of terrorism and extremism.President Maithripala Sirisena in a message to France’s President François Hollande said Sri Lanka condemned the terrorist attack in the strongest terms.
President Sirisena, who will be among several world leaders attending the crucial 2015 UN climate change summit which begins in Paris on November 30, said he was deeply saddened by the large loss of life and injuries caused by the brutal terrorist attacks in Paris.
In a message sent to France’s President François Hollande, President Sirisena said the Government and the people of Sri Lanka joined him in conveying condolences to France and its people, especially those who are affected by these terrorist acts.
“As a nation that has undergone much suffering due to terrorism, Sri Lanka unreservedly condemns such acts of terror.
The international community must unite to collectively combat the menace of terrorism and extremism,” he said.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in a letter to his French counterpart Manuel Valls said he asis deeply shocked and saddened by the unprecedented and dastardly terrorist attacks in Paris. “Having suffered due to terrorism for many decades, Sri Lanka unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Attacks of this nature clearly indicate the urgent need for concerned measures by the global community to combat terrorism and extremism,” he said.
He said the Government and the people of Sri Lanka stood in solidarity with the Government and People of France during this time of tragic loss and suffering. At least 130 people were killed in terrorist attacks at six different places across Paris on Friday night. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said no Sri Lankans were affected by the attacks but they in contact with French officials for regular updates.
“The Sri Lankan Embassy in Paris is in contact with relevant authorities in France,” the ministry tweeted yesterday. The ministry told any Sri Lankans who needed assistance to contact First Secretary, Col. Nazeer Majeed via +33620505232 or Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Gunasekera via +33677048117.
The attacks however did not disrupt air service to France from Sri Lanka. A Sri Lankan flight landed at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris as scheduled amidst the tense situation in Paris, Sri Lankan Airlines Media Development Manager Deepal Perera said. He said flights to and from Paris would continue as scheduled.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS) said yesterday any Sri Lankan who wished to get news about family members or friends in Paris could obtain information by calling +9411-2445264 or 0774919796 or +33 155733131(Number in France).