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SL says 'Boko Haram' abductions show need to combat terrorism

13 May 2014 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

While condeming the mass abduction of girls in Nigeria, Sri Lanka today said that the abduction demonstrated the urgent need for decisive and concerted efforts by the international community to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

In a letter addressed to hisNigerian counterpart, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that the thoughts of all Sri Lankans are with the people of Nigeria during " this time of anguish".

Following is the full text of the letter

His Excellency Dr Goodluck Jonathan

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Excellency,

It is almost a month since the terrorist group, Boko Haram abducted over 250 female students from a boarding school in Chibok Town in north-eastern Nigeria, a situation which I have followed with much pain of mind. The Government of Sri Lanka denounces this dastardly act which has shocked the conscience of the world and invited universal opprobrium.

This incident is reminiscent of a particularly ignominious chapter in Sri Lanka’s own recent history, when the LTTE, dubbed as the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world, carried out a systematic and forcible recruitment campaign of children to its “Baby Brigade” and coerced them into taking up arms against the Government. Terrorism took away all the rights of the young people in Sri Lanka during that time, and now they have all been restored through the concerted action of my Government.

Sri Lanka, also as Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth, stands firmly in solidarity with the Government and people of Nigeria, which is a fellow member, in their relentless efforts to secure the safe return of these innocent victims of terror and be reunited with their families.

This abduction of girls by the Boko Haram is an abominable act of terrorism, perpetrators of which should not go unpunished. This incident clearly demonstrates the urgent need for decisive and concerted efforts by the international community to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

The thoughts and prayers of my people and those of my own, are with you and the people of Nigeria in this time of anguish. I am confident that with the resilience of the Nigerian people, the girls would be brought home safely.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Mahinda Rajapaksa

President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

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SL says 'Boko Haram' abductions show need to combat terrorism

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