Sri Lankan FM expresses full confidence in Pakistan’s investigation

Sri Lankan FM expresses full confidence in Pakistan’s investigation

ISLAMABAD, Mar 4 (APP): Sri Lanka on Wednesday expressed full confidence in the investigations being carried out by the Pakistani agencies into the Lahore terrorist attack on its cricket team that resulted in injuries to six players. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohita Bogollagama, addressing a joint news conference with his Pakistani counterpart Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office, said the dastardly act would not affect deep‑rooted relations of the two countries.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister earlier held meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi during his day long stay in the federal capital.

Following the meetings between the two foreign ministers, the two sides described terrorism as common threat and expressed resolve to counter designs of terrorists.

They also reaffirmed that they will foil attempts by terrorists to weaken their relationship.

Foreign Minister Qureshi said Pakistan has shared with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister its initial investigations into the incident.

He said Pakistan has some details and important leads that may eventually help unearth people responsible for this terrible act and shared the information with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister.

He, however, did not divulge the details as these would compromise the investigations.

Qureshi said a Pakistani special team may also visit Colombo to share details with Sri Lankan Government.

The Foreign Minister thanked Sri Lanka for its bold decision to send its team to Pakistan. He said the attack on Sri Lankan team was a desperate act to bring bilateral friendly relations under stress.

The Minister said the visit of the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister is reflective of Colombo’s friendship with Pakistan and its concern and anguish over the unfortunate incident.

He said the two countries condemn the incident in strongest possible terms and feel that terrorism has to be defeated in all its forms and manifestations.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said, “We will bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice.”

The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohita Bogollagama said he has been sent by his President to express deepest sympathies, solidarity and condolences with the people of Pakistan.

He said police officials, who were on duty to protect the Sri Lankan cricket team and died in the brutal attack in Lahore laid down their lives in protecting Sri Lankan cricketers.

He said Sri Lanka is a victim of terrorism and has fought it with resolve.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister said it has successfully countered terrorism and is on the last stage of elimination of terrorism from its land.

He, however, pointed out that it was for the first time ever that Sri Lankans have been targeted outside their country, which is something of great concern to them.

He said both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have remained victims to terrorism but this time they have been struck in one location.

Rohita Bogollagama said the seriousness shown by Pakistan over the issue of attacks on Sri Lankan cricketers has been registered well in Colombo.

He said, “Sri Lanka sees Pakistan as a friend in need and a friend in deed. Our friendship has grown and we stand together in our resolve to fight terror.

Replying to a question, he said Sri Lanka has full faith in the investigations being conducted by Pakistan. He said his country would give serious consideration if an invitation was received for the Sri Lankan cricket team’s visit to Pakistan in future.

He said Sri Lanka would not allow isolation of Pakistan in the world of cricket.

Answering a question he said they cannot rule out the possibility of involvement of LTTE in the incident as the terrorist organization has outside links and international connections.