President sends condolence message over Jayalalithaa’s death

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday expressed his condolences over the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, calling her a “towering presence in Indian politics”. 

Given below is the full statement released by the President’s office

I am saddened by the news of the demise of the honourable Chief Minister of the state of Tamil Nadu Ms. J. Jayalalithaa.

Honourable Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was totally dedicated to the welfare of the people she represented and was dearly loved by her people. Hon. Jayalalithaa was a towering presence in Indian politics and was elected five times to lead the state government of Tamil Nadu.

In Hon. Jayalalithaa, India loses a leading female politician and a truly pro-poor leader, whom people fondly called ‘Amma’.

At this time of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Tamil Nadu.

Northern Provincial Council mourns Jayalalithaa’s death

Northern Provincial Council sittings were postponed yesterday to mark the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa Jayaram.

Northern Provincial Council Chief Minister C. V. Wigneswaran in a condolence message said: “She came through a male dominated society, faced several challenges to become the Chief Minister.” 

A number of other provincial council members also delivered condolence messages appreciating the life and work of the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, while the NPC flag was flying at half-mast in her honour.    

PM condoles Jayalalithaa’s death

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday released a condolence message for former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa Jeyaram, hailing her as a stateswoman who won the hearts of the public. 

Given below is the full statement released by the Prime Minister’s office. 

The passing away of Jayalalithaa Jeyaram, a stateswoman who won the hearts and minds of not only the people of South India but all of India, is a sad occasion indeed. 

The people of South India elected her as their Chief Minister six times; she was not in the best of health when she won her last election, yet it was a firm display of the trust people had placed in her as their leader.

Although she had political differences with Sri Lanka, to her credit as a stateswoman, she maintained that the issues faced by Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen must be solved in a humane manner.

During her life time, she did much to establish and maintain a strong sense of fellowship between India and Sri Lanka.

Fondly known as ‘Amma’ by her people, Jayalalithaa Jeyaram will be remembered for the selfless service she rendered unto her people.