President writes to Nigerian President condemning Boko Haram abduction of female students

Wednesday, 14 May 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has written to Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan condemning the abduction of female students by Boko Harama as an act of terrorism.

Following is the full text of the letter: It is almost a month since the terrorist group Boko Haram abducted over 250 female students from a boarding school in Chibok Town in north-eastern Nigeria, a situation which I have followed with much pain of mind. The Government of Sri Lanka denounces this dastardly act which has shocked the conscience of the world and invited universal opprobrium. This incident is reminiscent of a particularly ignominious chapter in Sri Lanka’s own recent history when the LITE, dubbed as the most ruthless terrorist organisation in the world, carried out a systematic and forcible recruitment campaign of children to its “Baby Brigade” and coerced them into taking up arms against the Government. Terrorism took away all the rights of the young people in Sri Lanka during that time, and now they have all been restored through the concerted action of my Government. Sri Lanka, and in her capacity also as Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth, stands firmly in solidarity with the Government and the people of Nigeria in their relentless efforts to secure the safe return of these innocent victims of terror to their families. This abduction of girls by the Boko Haram is an abominable act of terrorism, perpetrators of which should not go unpunished. This incident clearly demonstrates the urgent need for decisive and concerted efforts by the international community to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The thoughts and prayers of my people and those of my own are with you and the people of Nigeria in this time of anguish. I am confident that with the resilience of the Nigerian people, the girls would be brought home safely. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.