Outpouring of grief from Sri Lankan leaders on the death of Iranian President

Sri Lankan political leaders expressed their condolences on the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi.  

He was killed in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province on Sunday, as reported by the Iranian media. The chopper carrying Iranian President Raisi and his Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had disappeared over a mountainous region.   

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said Sri Lanka is deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian and other senior Iranian officials.   

“I express my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the bereaved families, the government and the people of Iran. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of President Raisi and his entourage,” he posted.  

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said that President Ebrahim Raisi was a true friend of Sri Lanka and that his leadership and dedication towards the Iranian people will always be remembered.   

“Deeply shocked by the passing of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, and their entourage in the tragic helicopter crash,” the former President said in a ‘X’ (formally twitter) post.

In a condolence message addressed to Iranian Vice President Mohammed Mokhber, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said the late President’s services for the people of Iran as well as to strengthen bilateral relations with Sri Lanka are legendary. In fact His Excellency Ebrahim Raisi’s last foreign visit was to Sri Lanka to inaugurate the Iran-assisted Uma Oya hydroelectricity-cum-irrigation project, which is immensely beneficial to the people of Sri Lanka.   

“During his visit I closely interacted with him and I was highly impressed by his sincere vision for the prosperity of Iran and its people as well as for promoting global peace and security.  

On behalf of the government and the people of Sri Lanka as well as on my personal behalf, I offer my sincere condolences to the government and people of Iran and to the bereaved families of the late President and the Foreign Minister,” he said.   

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, in his condolence message, said, “It is with profound sorrow that we extend our deepest condolences on the sudden and untimely passing of His Excellency Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and a beloved leader of the people of Iran. His Excellency was distinguished by vision and intellectualism, his deep love for his country and its people, and the thoughtful manner in which he fulfilled his duties. This tragedy represents a moment of tremendous magnitude not only to Iran but to the entire region and beyond. Iran has lost a true Statesman.   

While the people of Iran have endured much in its long and illustrious history, the loss of His Excellency the President will require steadfast leadership from the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I have no doubt he shall provide the necessary guidance for a country and people in mourning,”   

Besides, leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Rauff Hakeem said, “We are deeply saddened and dismayed that President Dr. Raisi’s death occurs at a crucial moment in history where he played a strident role, standing tall in Regional and Global Politics, unwavering and unafraid, demonstrating remarkable resilience by building strong regional networks in Asia and beyond. A leader so resolutely determined in the face of adversity and war-like conditions that his country faces today. Nevertheless, remained a formidable friend of Sri Lanka. We mourn the loss of this great leader who visited Sri Lanka just over a month ago, bringing in development projects for the country,”