President Mahinda Rajapaksa unequivocally condemned the cowardly terrorist attack targeting the Sri Lankan Cricket Team in Lahore , Pakistan , today emphasizing that the Sri Lankan team had gone to Pakistan as ambassadors of goodwill.
The President, who is at present in Nepal , has instructed that immediately action be taken to bring back to Sri Lanka all members of the team, ensuring their safety and security.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs who is now in Nepal has been instructed to leave for Pakistan immediately in this regard. Instructions also have been given to the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Islamabad to facilitate the arrangements with Pakistani authorities on medical attention for the players in hospital, and their safe return of the team to Sri Lanka .
The President expressed his sincere good wishes for the speedy recovery for all injured players and officials and their well being.
Government condemns attack on Sri Lanka Cricket Team
The Government of Sri Lanka vehemently condemns the brutal terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka Cricket team in Lahore today (03 March 2009), in which 6 members of the team were injured and 5 Pakistani policemen killed.
It is reported that a number of heavily armed gunmen had opened fire at the bus carrying the Cricket team and the escort vehicle providing security, while proceeding to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore between 8.30 a.m. and 9.00 a.m. (Pakistan time) for the 3rd day’s play of the 2nd Test Cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Thilan Samaraweera and Tharanga Paranavitana who sustained gunshot wounds have been admitted to hospital, while Kumar Sangakkara, Ajantha Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Thilina Thushara and the Assistant Coach, Paul Fabrece had received minor injuries.
On President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s instructions, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama who is accompanying the President on a State Visit to Nepal, is rushing to Pakistan immediately. Foreign Secretary, Dr. Palitha Kohona has also been in touch with his counterpart in Islamabad. The High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Jayalath Weerakkody has been directed to proceed to Lahore to assist the team. Action has been taken to bring the Sri Lanka Cricket team home without delay.
The Government of Sri Lanka, while expressing its deep concern for the safety and wellbeing of the National Cricket team, conveys its profound condolences to the families of the security personnel who were killed in this terrorist outrage. Sri Lanka is confident that the Pakistan Government authorities would do their utmost to apprehend and bring to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly attack.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Colombo
03 March 2009