Foreign reaction to Sri Lanka assassination

Foreign political leaders have been offering their reaction to the assassination of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar in a gun attack in the capital Colombo.

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I last met Foreign Minister Kadirgamar this June. He was a man of dignity, honour and integrity, who devoted his life to bringing peace to Sri Lanka. Together, we must honour his memory by re-dedicating ourselves to peace and ensuring that the cease fire remains in force.

This senseless murder was a vicious act of terror, which the United States strongly condemns. Those responsible must be brought to justice.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

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I strongly condemn the brutal killing of Mr Kadirgamar, his death will be a great loss to Sri Lanka, the region and the international community.

UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw

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The secretary general is shocked and saddened to learn that a few hours ago, Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was shot and killed in Colombo. He deplores in the strongest of terms this criminal and senseless act and hopes that the perpetrators will be found and brought to justice.

Sri Lanka has lost a deeply respected statesman dedicated to peace and national unity.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's spokesman, Stephane Dujarric

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The island nation will rise to the challenge and defeat the forces, which seek to undermine Sri Lanka's unity and political stability. India will extend its full support to our friendly neighbour in its hour of need.

Statement from the Indian Foreign Ministry

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This senseless murder robs Sri Lanka of a man of great stature and dignity who had dedicated himself to finding a peaceful and democratic solution to his country's ills.

This was truly a vicious terrorist act and its perpetrators must be brought to justice.

The clear intention of the killers is to restart conflict and to rob the worthy people of Sri Lanka of the peace, reconciliation and prosperity they so clearly deserve after decades of civil war and the devastating tsunami of December 2004.

European Union Foreign Affairs Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner

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It's a big, big blow to the ceasefire and the whole peace process irrespective of who is behind this.

Hagrup Haukland, Head of the team monitoring the ceasefire between the government and the Tamil rebels

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Russia strongly denounces this barbaric terrorist act in which the outstanding politician who had done much for strengthening national unity of Sri Lanka was assassinated.

Statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry

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