Samantha Power devastated by Mangala’s demise

US Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power in a statement yesterday said she was devastated by the passing of former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.

She described Mangala as a great patriot and statesman, advocate for democracy and human rights, and a treasured friend. 

“My sincere condolences to his family and the people of #SriLanka,” she added.

Her statement also said: “Mangala entered politics during a brutal civil war because he dreamed of peace, harmony & dignity for all Sri Lankans. He helped found the Mothers’ Front, which tracked information on Sri Lanka’s legion of disappeared while pressing for answers on their fate & accountability.

“Mangala fought for justice & for reconciliation. As Foreign Minister he pushed to create the Office on Missing Persons, & for reparations to war victims and survivors. As Finance Minister, he orchestrated the forgiveness of loans taken out by desperate families after the war.

“Mangala wanted to open #SriLanka to the world, & I’m grateful to have worked w/ him to strengthen US-Sri Lanka ties. He’s one of the most remarkable public servants I’ve known & a profoundly good person. I’ll miss his wise counsel, tremendous wit, & rare gift for friendship.”