Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on today's suicide bomb attack in Sri Lanka

The Secretary-General condemns today's suicide bomb attack in Sri Lanka which killed Major General Parami Kulatunga, the third-highest ranking officer in the Sri Lanka army, and three other people near the capital, Colombo. He expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved and the Government of Sri Lanka.

The Secretary-General reiterates that no cause can justify such acts of violence.

The Secretary-General appeals to the parties to redouble their efforts to resume peace talks under the facilitation of the Norwegian Government.