Assassination of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Kadirgamar

I am deeply saddened and disturbed to learn that Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was shot and killed outside his home in Colombo on 12 August 2005.

This heinous act of terrorism must not be allowed to derail efforts to bring peace to Sri Lanka.

Lakshman Kadirgamar was an eminent statesman and a distinguished representative of Sri Lanka. I knew him well and last saw him at the Tsunami Summit in Jakarta in January 2005. He was a colleague and a friend.

Mr Kadirgamar was instrumental in bringing forward the peace process and in directing Sri Lanka’s foreign relations in the wake of the December 2004 tsunami. He was a man of moderation who sought the path of peace and worked tirelessly for his country.

On behalf of the Australian Government, I would like to express my deepest condolences to his family, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka.

It is Australia’s strong hope that, despite this terrorist act, the Sri Lankan peace process will continue, including through early implementation of the Post-Tsunami Operational Management Structure (P-TOMS). I urge all communities in Sri Lanka to remain calm and uphold the ceasefire.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500, Nicole Guihot (Departmental) 02 6261 1555