President expresses concern over the hostage situation in Sydney

Tuesday, 16 December 2014 01:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has expressed concern over the developing hostage situation in Sydney, Australia. In a Twitter message to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, the president said he was “deeply disturbed about the hostage situation in Sydney.”

Several people have been taken hostage by at least one armed man at a Lindt cafe in the centre of Sydney as people arrive to work Monday morning. Hundreds of armed police have sealed off the busy Martin Place in Sydney’s central business district, the BBC reported. It is not clear how many hostages have been taken in the cafe yet but the BBC reported that at least three people have been seen inside the cafe with their hands up against a window, and holding up a black flag with Arabic writing. President Rajapaksa expressing solidarity with Australia said: “Sri Lanka stands united with Australia in fighting terrorism.”