President, Opp. Leader issue statements over Notre Dame fire

President Maithripala Sirisena has said that Sri Lanka stands with France in its mission to rebuild the Notre Dame Cathedral which was destroyed in a fire yesterday (Apr 15).

Mr. Sirisena taking to his official twitter handle said that the cathedral has inspired both devotees and artists over centuries.

As a blaze devastates the invaluable #NotreDame cathedral, that inspired devotees and artists over centuries, Sri Lanka stands in solidarity with the people of France and the noble mission to rebuild this World Heritage.

— Maithripala Sirisena (@MaithripalaS) April 16, 2019

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa also expressed regret over the recent "tragedy" which had struck Notre Dame.

"We hope and pray that the spirit of humanity that grieves right now will rise up to fight to rebuild and to restore" the former President said on his Twitter handle.

We are deeply saddened by the tragedy that has struck #NotreDame and we hope and pray that the spirit of humanity that grieves right now will rise up to fight.. to rebuild and to restore. Sri Lanka stands with the people of France at this difficult time.

— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) April 16, 2019