Raksha Mantri spoke to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and conveyed India's shock at the suicide bombing incident in Colombo in which the Sri Lankan Army Commander was seriously injured and 5 persons were killed.

Raksha Mantri strongly condemned this brazen act of terrorism. He reiterated India's conviction that violence is not the answer to any problem and that political dialogue is the only way to resolve outstanding issues. He expressed India's solidarity with the Government and people of Sri Lanka in this difficult hour.

The Sri Lankan President appreciated India's gesture and thanked India for the support and solidarity shown.

New Delhi