Colombo: - In a statement of heartfelt sympathy, condolence, and solidarity with the Goverment and people of Afghanistan, H.E. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the friendly people of Sri Lanka have condemened in the strongest terms possible yesterday's heinious terrorist attack on Kabul University, killing and wounding a large number of innocent students in their classrooms.

The statement of condemnation, which the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan greatly appreciates during our hour of national mourning, reads as follows:

"His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the President, the Government, and the People of Sri Lanka are deeply shocked and grieved by the despicable brutal attack on the University of Kabul, killing and wounding dozens of innocent scholars, who were peacefully engaged in their academic work. The Government of Sri Lanka utterly denunciates these criminal acts, especially attacks on innocent children, students and educators, and reject all forms of violence, which aim to undermine security, stability, and completely contravene all basic human values and principles. The Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka conveys its heartfelt profound condolences to the Government and the people of Afghanistan, and the bereaved families of all the victims, and wish for the speedy recovery of those injured."

Moreover, H.E. State Minister for Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya tweeted: "The attack on the Kabul University, yet another heinous attack by terrorists, must be condemened in the strongest possible terms. Terrorism has no place in our society, and as a country that has been battered by it for three decades we stand with our brothers and sisters from Afghanistan in this trying time. I pray for all affected by this tragedy, their families, loved ones, and the people of Afghanistan."

"These words of sincere and fraternal support from His Excellency President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the people of Sri Lanka demonstrate our shared resolve in the fight against humanity's common enemy: terrorists and their entire enabling infrastructure in the region and throughout the world. Last year, we witnessed the tragic terrorist attack in Sri Lanka, which took so many innocent lives. President Ashraf Ghani was the first world leader to condemn that act of barbarism, which has no place in Islam, a faith of peace, tolerance, co-existence, and moderation. Our noble faith stands utterly opposed to all forms of extremism, terror, and violence, targeting innocents, be them in Afghanistan or anywhere in the world," Ambassador M. Ashraf Haidari commented. 

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Related news-story: Ambassador Haidari Condemns Terror Attacks in Sri Lanka and Condoles with the Sri Lankan Government and People