Sri Lanka calls for concerted global effort to tackle terror

In a statement, the Government of Sri Lanka has said that the recent act of terror in Sydney highlights the need for a concerted action by the international community to combat terrorism and ensure global peace and security.

Vehemently condemning the hostage taking by a lone gunman in a cafe in Sydney, Australia, Colombo, according to the Lanka Page web site, said the people of Sri Lanka who have suffered under the scourge of terrorism for almost three decades, share the pain and anguish of the people of Australia over this act of terror targeting innocent civilians.

The siege by an armed Iranian immigrant on Monday at a cafe in Sydney's central business district where 17 people were held hostage, resulted in the death of two hostages and injured five including a policeman.