COLOMBO (News 1st): Several dignitaries expressed their grief over the passing of the former Minister of Finance Mangala Samaraweera, who passed away due to COVID-19 today (24).

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a Facebook message said that he is deeply saddened to hear the sudden demise of Mangala Samaraweera, a former Minister of the United National Party and a former Member of Parliament, an honored politician who made a significant contribution to the Sri Lankans by launching great transformations in the course of Sri Lankan politics.

I am deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of my friend & colleague Mangala Samaraweera. Today we have lost a great leader, a man who loved this nation. I thank him for his service to #lka. My condolences to his family. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbhana.

— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) August 24, 2021

මානවවාදීත්වයට ගරු කරමින්, හෘද සාක්ෂියට එකඟව තමන් විශ්වාස කරන දර්ශනය උදෙසා ඇප කැපවීමෙන් කටයුතු කළ යුග පුරුෂයෙකු වූ අප හිතාදර මංගල සමරවීර මැතිදුනි, ඔබ නිවී සැනසෙත්වා. pic.twitter.com/dPJHQQZuA7

— Sajith Premadasa (@sajithpremadasa) August 24, 2021

Deeply saddened to hear the loss of Former Minister Mangala Samaraweera who was a humble human being and strong advocate for democracy and reconciliation. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends grieving this loss. pic.twitter.com/QIHQZY5Fc4

— Maithripala Sirisena (@MaithripalaS) August 24, 2021

Deeply grieved at the passing away of former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.

A warm and generous personality and a true friend of India.

May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/LOrvNVQ2ca

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 24, 2021

Saddened to hear of the passing of former Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera. He was a dedicated public servant who contributed greatly to Sri Lanka and a strong advocate of Maldives-Sri Lanka friendship. Condolences to his loved ones and the Sri Lankan people.

— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) August 24, 2021

Saddened to hear of the death of Mangala Samaraweera, proud Sri Lankan, capable leader, warm-hearted and generous friend and host. On each of the many occasions we met an unfailingly determined and committed champion of human rights and reconciliation in his beloved island. pic.twitter.com/wX7XMbOLv7

— James Dauris (@JamesDauris) August 24, 2021

My deepest condolences to family, friends, and the Sri Lankan people on the passing of Mangala Samaraweera – a patriot, a humanitarian, and a leader. His passion for peace and democracy are an inspiration that shall not be extinguished.

— Ambassador Teplitz (@USAmbSLM) August 24, 2021

Deeply saddened by the passing of former Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends & the people of Sri Lanka. He was instrumental in providing leadership,defending human rights, peace & democracy & will always be fondly remembered.

— Ambassador Holger Seubert (@GermanAmbColo) August 24, 2021

• Sri Lanka’s World Cup squad announced
• The bill for the establishment of the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation has been gazetted
• No approval given yet for controversial Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 to dock in Sri Lanka: Sabry
• Ex-Senior Cop sentenced to prison for interfering with investigation
• Go to court if constitution was violated – CBSL Chief