Express Deep and Heartfelt Condolences and Reiterate Fullest Assistance in This Hour of Need

President George W. Bush signing the Condolence Book. ( L-R) Former Presidents Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ambassador Subasinghe, Mrs. Helga Wurzer-Subasinghe and First Lady Mrs. Laura Bush

In an unprecedented show of solidarity, President George W. Bush accompanied by the First Lady Laura Bush, former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton called on the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC this morning. They were received by HE the Ambassador for Sri Lanka Devinda R. Subasinghe and Mrs Helga-Wurzer Subasinghe. The first Lady presented a white bouquet of flowers to Mrs Subasinghe in a symbolic gesture of condolence. President George W. Bush who announced a nationwide charitable fundraising effort to be led by former President George H.W. Bush and former President Bill Clinton to aid victims of last week's earthquake and tsunamis in South Asia on Monday, January 3, 2005, had praised both Presidents for taking time out of their busy schedules to not only serve as a catalyst for the American people to give money to help, but also to join him and the First Lady in paying their deepest respects to those nations that have been affected by the tsunami.

President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush in conversation with Ambassador Subasinghe

President Bush stated that the US is very much committed in Sri Lanka for the long haul restoration of the country and would assist in every possible way. US assistance, he mentioned is a true bi-partisan endeavour as reflected by the role to be played by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush.

President George W. Bush studies a map of Sri Lanka with Ambassador Subasinghe. First Lady Laura Bush,
Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush look on

The President , Mrs Bush, Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton conveyed their deep condolences and Best Wishes to President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga as she leads the country in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

First Lady Mrs. Laura Bush signs the Condolence Book. Mrs. Helga Wurzer-Subasinghe look on

At the invitation of the Ambassador, before leaving the Embassy, the dignitaries spoke with all members of the staff, individually and in particular offered condolences to a member of the staff who had lost her parents and a sister during the disaster.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington DC
USA

03 January 2005