Sri Lanka on Friday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a Christmas market in Berlin on Dec. 19, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"This attack on civilians at a time of celebration and festivity is an assault on freedom, democracy and pluralism, and an attempt to instill fear and create divisions in society," said the ministry.

"It is disturbing that the perpetrators of this act unleashed such hatred and violence during a season that heralds peace and fellowship."

The government expressed condolences to the families of victims, and to the government and the people of Germany at this difficult time, the statement added.

At least 12 people were killed and more injured when a truck smashed through a busy Christmas market in Berlin on Dec. 19, in one of the worst attacks hitting Germany in decades.

source: Xinhua