TFUS01: SRI LANKAN PRIME MINISTER SENDS

UNCLAS COLOMBO 001565

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPDC PREL CE
SUBJECT: TFUS01: SRI LANKAN PRIME MINISTER SENDS
CONDOLENCES ON HURRICANE KATRINA


1. On September 7 Embassy received a letter of condolence on
Hurricane Katrina from Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse to
President Bush. The text of the letter follows below.


2. Begin text:

2 September 2005
His Excellency George W. Bush
President of the United States of America

Excellency,

I was struck with extreme grief when I heard the news of the
devastation caused by hurricane Katrina, which hit the
Southeastern United States, including Louisiana. I am deeply
saddened by the extensive and severe damage it had caused,
killing thousands and leaving millions of American people
without homes, electricity and water.

Having experienced the worst ever natural disaster Sri Lanka
faced, not so long ago, I could imagine the grief, trauma,
and stress it would have caused you, particularly to see many
of your people killed or made destitute.

At this moment, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to
you, the government of the USA and all American people. May
I also kindly request you to convey our sympathies to the
near and dear of those who lost their lives as a result of
the Katrina. Also, I wish fast normalization of life in the
areas devastated by the hurricane.

Excellency, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the
American people, at this hour of grief.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest
consideration.

Mahinda Rajapakse

End text.


3. A copy of the letter has been faxed to SA/INS.
ENTWISTLE