President Sirisena condoles death of former Indian President Kalam

President Maithripala Sirisena said he is deeply saddened by the demise of former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam describing him as ‘an outstanding visionary, a great teacher and an unparalleled human being’.

In a statement President Sirisena on behalf of the Government and the Sri Lankan people and on his personal behalf, offered his ‘deepest condolences’ to Dr. Kalam’s brother and other close relations and to the government and the people of India.

Following is the full text of the President’s message:

I am deeply saddened by the demise of former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, an outstanding visionary, a great teacher and an unparalleled human being.

During his visit to Sri Lanka last month, I had the privilege of discussing many issues with this great personality and telling him that he had inspired me to a great extent.

The people of Sri Lanka will never forget Dr. Kalam and his vision for South Asia 2020, which he elaborated at length to a spellbound audience of our youths at the Bandaranaike Memorial Conference Hall in Colombo. Dr. Kalam will always remain immortal in our hearts and memories for generations to come.

Dr. Kalam will not only be remembered for the immeasurably remarkable achievements and marks he left behind but surely as a great human being, for his determined character, for his simplicity and love and the way he could ignite our minds.

Dr. Kalam was a man of firm conviction and indomitable spirit and I saw him as an outstanding statesman of the world. His death is an irreparable loss not only to India but to the entire world.

I, on behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka and on my personal behalf, offer my deepest condolences to his brother and other close relations and to the government and the people of India.

May his soul Rest in Peace.