Japan earthquake and tsunami: President expresses sympathy

Saturday, 12 March 2011 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in a message to Emperor of Japan, Akihito expressed sympathy on the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan yesterday and stated, ‘we pray for solace for those affected by the disaster and for the rapid recovery of the Japanese people and nation’.

Japan is a very close and dear friend of Sri Lanka. At this moment of challenge, our thoughts are with Your Majesty and your people, he said.

Following is the message: Along with the rest of the globe, the people of Sri Lanka and I have been watching with sorrow and anguish the destruction brought about in Japan by the earthquake followed by a tsunami.

We are aware that due to their nation being located in an area of the world especially vulnerable to this kind of natural phenomenon, the Japanese authorities have taken the maximum measures to prepare for and mitigate the consequences of such a disaster. We also know that the Japanese people possess incredible resilience and courage, which has enabled them to overcome always the greatest of destruction and continue on the path of national progress.

Japan is a very close and dear friend of Sri Lanka.

At this moment of challenge, our thoughts are with Your Majesty and your people. We pray for solace for those affected by the disaster and for the rapid recovery of the Japanese people and nation.

Please accept, Your Majesty, the assurances of my highest consideration.