President saddened over loss of life in Indonesia quake

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday expressed his sympathies and concern to families of the victims of the Java earthquake in Indonesia.

"I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the catastrophic earthquake in Java, Indonesia, causing extensive loss of life and damage to property," President Rajapaksa said in his message.

In a letter to Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President Rajapaksa said: "I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the catastrophic earthquake which occurred in Java, causing extensive loss of life and damage to property.

The Government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in extending to you and, through you, to the Government and the people of Indonesia, especially to the families of the victims, our heartfelt condolences."