The Government of Sri Lanka vehemently condemns the siege by a gunman on Monday 15th December at a café in Sydney’s central business district where 17 people were held hostage and resulted in the death of two hostages and injured five including a policeman. 

The people of Sri Lanka who have suffered under the scourge of terrorism for almost three decades, share the pain and anguish of the people of Australia over this act of terror targeting innocent civilians.Sri Lanka condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and this tragic incident once again highlights the need for concerted action by the international community to combat this menace in the interest of global peace and security. 

President Mahinda Rajapaksa tweeted the Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot on Monday conveying that he is ‘deeply disturbed’ by the incident and ‘Sri Lanka stands united with Australia in fighting terrorism’.  Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris in a telephone conversation with his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop on the same day reiterated these sentiments. 

The Government and the people of Sri Lanka offer their deepest condolences to the Government and the people of Australia, particularly to the families of the victims, and wish a speedy recovery to those who have been injured. 

Ministry of External Affairs

Colombo 

16thDecember 2014