UN Security Council condemns 'heinous and cowardly terrorist attacks' in Sri Lanka

The UN Security Council has strongly condemned the "series of heinous and cowardly terrorist attacks" that shook Sri Lanka last Sunday.

Issuing a special statement, the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government of Sri Lanka while wishing a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

"Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security," the Council reaffirmed.

The statement underscored the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice while also urging all countries to cooperate actively with the Sri Lankan government and all other relevant authorities in this regard.

Further, the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. 

They reaffirmed the need for all States to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.