International community condemns attacks

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced outrage at the twin bomb attacks in the Sri Lankan capital on Wednesday.

"The Secretary-General appeals for an end to the destructive spiral of violence in Sri Lanka and calls on the parties to the conflict to return to the peace process while making every effort to ensure the protection of civilians," the UN statement said.

The United States Government yesterday strongly condemned Wednesday's twin attacks on civilians.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families. Incidents such as these will lead to further loss of life, destruction and suffering for the people of Sri Lanka," the US Embassy said.

"Only a political solution, not a military one, offers a way out of the current cycle of escalating violence. We call on all Sri Lankans to work towards the goal of a just, political solution to the conflict," a release said.

The European Union also condemned the terrorist attacks in Colombo and deplores the deliberate targeting of civilians. "These callous attacks can have no political justification and serve only to add to the suffering and grief of ordinary Sri Lankans. We extend our condolences to the victims and their families and friends," it said.

"The EU remains gravely concerned about the welfare of civilians caught up in Sri Lanka's conflict - in the Wanni, in Colombo or wherever. It expects the parties to take utmost care to avoid civilian casualties in accordance with international humanitarian law," the statement said.