"We have watched with horror the unfolding scenes of devastation in New York and in Washington. I am deeply shocked and dismayed at the unprecedented scale of the attacks on the World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and other targets in the United States resulting in massive loss of innocent life, injury and widespread destruction of property," President Chandrika Kumaratunga said in a message to President George W. Bush.

She further said: "the government and the people of Sri Lanka join me in unreservedly condemning this dastardly attack. We offer our heart-felt condolences to the people of the United States of America, in particular to the people of New York and the families affected by this national calamity.

"We, in Sri Lanka, having often experienced terrorist attacks, most recently when our only international airport was attacked, fully comprehend the despair of the people of the United States and share their anguish.

These attacks once again highlight the paramount necessity for concerted action by the international community for the suppression of terrorism. We should redouble our efforts in combating this menace. Sri Lanka stands fully committed to support all international initiatives in pursuit of this objective."