Colombo, December 6: Condoling the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe described her as a “stateswoman who won the hearts and minds of not only the people of South India but all of India.”
In a message issued on Tuesday, Wickremesinghe said: “Although she had political differences with Sri Lanka, to her credit as a stateswoman, she maintained that the issues faced by Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen must be solved in a humane manner. During her life time, she did much to establish and maintain a strong sense of fellowship between India and Sri Lanka.”
“Fondly known as Amma by her people, Jayalalitha Jeyaram will be remembered for the selfless service she rendered unto her people.”
The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) chief and Leader of the Opposition in the Sri Lankan parliament, R.Sampanthan, pointed out that Jayalalithaa had raised her voice “loudly” whenever injustices were done to the Tamils of Sri Lanka, passed resolutions in their support, and also took up their case with the powers-that-be.
The TNA is especially grateful for the way she as Chief Minister looked after Sri Lankan Tamils who were forced to seek shelter in Tamil Nadu because of the problems they faced in Sri Lanka, Sampanthan said.
(The featured pictures at the top is that of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe)
