In a statement, Rajapaksa said he was “shocked to hear” of Ahmadinejad’s assassination and recalled the former Iranian leader’s contribution to strengthening bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Iran.
He noted that Ahmadinejad had played a key role in initiating several major development projects in Sri Lanka, including the upgrading of the Sapugaskande Oil Refinery and the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project, during his visit to the island in 2008 at the invitation of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Rajapaksa stated that Iran has consistently been a true friend of Sri Lanka and conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of those reportedly killed in the air strikes.
“We stand with the people of Iran at this hour of need and call on all parties to exercise restraint and pursue discussions rather than choosing a path of war,” he said.
