President Maithripala Sirisena extended a message of condolence on the demise of former Secretary-General of UN Kofi Annan.

Following is the full text of the message:

 His Excellency António Guterres

Secretary-General

United Nations

New York

Your Excellency,

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of His Excellency Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Leading the United Nations for two successive five-year terms, he remained a strong advocate for the norms, values and principles of the United Nations Charter and stood firmly as a voice for peace, human rights, dignity, and the conscience of humanity, even following his departure from the post of Secretary-General.

His inspirational presence, his wisdom, and his soft spoken style of pointing to solutions through dialogue, will be deeply missed on the world stage. Thousands across the world would recall the dignified and graceful manner in which he guided those who met him towards working for a better world for all.

I convey the condolences of the Government and people of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, an Organization to which he devoted much of his life, to Madam Nane Annan and his family, and all those around the world who mourn his passing.

May his memory and what he stood for inspire people across the world to work for a fairer and more peaceful world for all.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.