President Mahinda Rajapakse has conveyed condolences of himself, the government and the people of Sri Lanka to the Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Kunio Takahashi on the severe earthquake that has taken place in Japan this morning.

 The Richter Scale has recorded the tremor of the magnitude of 8.9. It occurred in the deep sea 400 kilometres away from the Tokyo city. Many areas including the capital were severely affected by this disaster. Sea waves up to six meters high have lashed the land. The Japanese television have shown pictures how ships as well as buildings were washed away due to the tsunami. Buildings in the Tokyo city were subjected to motions for several minutes as a result of the earthquake. Today’s earth tremor is regarded as the most severe to have affected Japan in recent times. Many strong aftershocks were reported after the major tremor. Latest reports from Japan say 32 deaths have been recorded. The authorities say the number of the deaths would increase further. Tsunami warnings have been released for many countries in the pacific region including north and east America and the Hawaii islands. There have also been tsunami alerts in Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan and Russia. The pacific region tsunami danger warning centre said the waves could travel as far as Chilli. Japanese Prime Minister addressing the nation has conveyed his condolences for those affected by the disaster. The Prime Minister has established an emergency operations centre to carryout relief activities.

The Thehokumi nuclear plant has suspended operations following the tsunami. The Japanese Nuclear and Industrial Security Institute said however there is no leakage of radiation as a result of the disaster. But, stern attention have been focused on the security at this centre. The entire Japanese train system including the electric trains has ceased operations.

Venerable Pelpola Vipassi Thero expressing his views to the national radio regarding today’s earthquake in Japan said a massive destruction has taken place. The Thera also said that he has been living in Japan for the past 35 years and this is first occasion that he watched a calamity of this nature. The Thera added that all electricity, telephone and other services in the area where he is living have been disrupted.