Sri Lanka expresses sympathy to USA on hurricane devastation

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and Foreign Minister Anura Bandaranaike, in China on a State visit, have conveyed messages of sympathy to the Government and people of USA, following the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina which hit the States of Mississippi and Louisiana.

Expressing her sadness at the extent of the death and destruction, President Kumaratunga said: "Having experienced the fury of nature ourselves during the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 26, 2004, the people of Sri Lanka and I fully comprehend the grief and the sense of loss experienced by the victims of the hurricane."

Recalling the spontaneous US response in the wake of the tsunami that helped to mitigate the effects in the immediate aftermath of the disaster and in the recovery process, the President extended profound sympathies and condolences on behalf of Sri Lanka to the families who have lost loved ones and expressed solidarity with the victims.

Minister Bandaranaike also conveyed his sympathies and condolences to the families of those affected and expressed solidarity with the USA at this time of crisis.

Information on affected Sri Lankans

Sri Lankans who have family or friends in affected areas in Mississippi and Louisiana may contact the Consular Affairs Division of the Foreign Ministry, 97/A, Galle Road, Colombo 03, for assistance in obtaining information about the safety of their relations.

Inquires should be made by fax (4719593) and contain as much information as possible, including the name, address, place of work, contact numbers at residence and work/study in USA, and any contact details of friends/associates in the USA, the Foreign Ministry said.