US, EU strongly condemn terrorist attack in Anuradhapura
The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the
terrorist attack in Anuradhapura yesterday that claimed the lives of
Major General (retired) Janaka Perera and Dr. Raja Johnpulle and their
spouses.
Also killed in this heinous suicide bombing, which occurred during
the ceremonial opening of the office of the North Central Province
Opposition Leader, were several members of the Provincial Council and
numerous other innocent bystanders.
We express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and
the people of Sri Lanka. Major General Perera led a distinguished career
in the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka and subsequently as a diplomat in
Australia and Indonesia. Dr. Johnpulle, a medical practitioner and the
district manager of the United National Party for Anuradhapura, served
his country as a diplomat in the former Soviet Union.
The United States denounces this reprehensible attack on civilians.
Its perpetrators have advanced no cause other than to bring further
suffering to the people of Sri Lanka.
Only a political solution, not further violence, can provide a way
forward to ending the country’s deadly conflict.
Meanwhile, European Union External Relations Commissioner Benita
Ferrero-Waldner deplored the suicide bombing in Sri Lanka which killed
28 people and injured over 80.
“I am deeply shocked by the suicide attack at the United National
Party office in Anuradhapura this morning. I condemn in the strongest
possible terms this appalling act of terrorism which cannot be justified
under any circumstances,” said Ferrero-Waldner.
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