In a message to his Laos counterpart, Choummaly Sayasone, President Rajapaksa, extended deepest condolences on the tragic accident.

 
The full text of President Rajapaksa’s letter to the President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic is as follows:-

 
It is with deep shock and sadness that I learnt of the untimely demise of Han. Douangchay Phichit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Han. Thongbane Sengaphone, Minister of Public Security, together with other high level officials of the Government of Laos in a military plane crash.

 
The Government and the people of Sri Lanka Jam me in extending to Your Excellency and through you, to the Govenunent and the people of Laos, and in particular to the families of the bereaved, our deepest condolences on this tragic accident.

Please be assured. that the thoughts and prayers of all Sri Lankans are with the people of La,os in their hour of sorrow.

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