Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Sri Lanka

The Secretary-General deplores yesterday's suicide attack in Anuradhpura, Sri Lanka, which wounded scores and killed a large number of people, including retired army General Janaka Perera. He sends his condolences to the Government and people of Sri Lanka and expresses his deepest sympathies to the victims and their families.

The Secretary-General strongly condemns acts of this kind that have caused death and injury of many civilians throughout Sri Lanka. He reiterates his consistent position that no cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate attacks against civilians.