President sends condolence on death of ex-Sri Lankan PM

Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has sent a message of condolence to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena following the death of former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake.

In his message of condolence, President Yameen wrote that he learnt of the death of former PM, Wickremanayake with deep sorrow.

He said that Wickremanayake would always be remembered for his distinguished services to Sri Lanka as veteran politician and for his efforts to foster progress and prosperity of the country.

“At this time of national grief, the Government and the people of the Maldives join me in extending our profound sympathy to Your Excellency, the Government and the friendly people of Sri Lanka,” wrote President Yameen.

He also asked President Sirisena to convey his condolences to Wickremanayake’s family.

Wickremanayake passed away last Tuesday, December 27, at the age of 83 years.

Wickremanayake won his seat in the parliament in 1960. Two years after, he joined SLFP and went on to serve two terms as prime minister.

He served as prime minister up until 2001 during Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga’s presidency, and from 2005 to 2010 during Mahinda Rajapaksa’s presidency.

He retired from politics in 2010 due to poor health.