Sri Lanka condoles passing away of ex Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

President Maithripala Sirisena  and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe expressed heartfelt condolences over the passing away of former three time Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpaee in a private hospital in New Delhi today evening.

"Today, we have lost a great humanist and a true friend of Sri Lanka. Former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a visionary leader and an ardent defender of democracy. My condolences to his family and millions of his admirers around the world. #AtalBihariVajpayee" President Sirisena said in a tweet published in his official twitter handle.

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee who was a true friend of Sri Lanka. Shri Vajpayee led India during the transition of global geopolitics and ensured that his country rose in international stature." Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said in his condolence message.

Recalling his longstanding friendship since 1975, Premier Wickremesinghe said they had a close working relationship during his tenure as Prime Minister from 2001 to 2004.

"He played a vital role in ensuring stability of Sri Lanka. I will continue to treasure the memories of my friendship with this great man. My thoughts are with the members of the family and the people of India," the message said.  

Meanwhile the Government Information Department said that Minister Lakshman Kiriella will participate at the funeral of the late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, as the Special Envoy of  Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.