December 27, Colombo (LNW): Several prominent Sri Lankan political leaders have expressed their heartfelt condolences following the death of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away yesterday at the age of 92.
The tributes reflect the deep respect and admiration Singh commanded across South Asia, with his legacy as an economist and leader continuing to resonate.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa took to social media platform ‘X’ to remember Singh as a visionary economist and a pivotal figure in India’s economic transformation. Rajapaksa described Singh as the “architect of India’s economic liberalisation,” noting that his far-reaching contributions helped to shape a new and prosperous era for India.
Deeply saddened by the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. A visionary economist and the architect of India’s economic liberalization, his contributions shaped a new era for India. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of India. pic.twitter.com/5n1DtCMyL9
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) December 26, 2024
He extended his deepest sympathies to Singh’s family and the people of India, acknowledging the loss of a leader who had a profound impact on the region’s economic landscape.
Similarly, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa shared his sorrow on ‘X,’ emphasising that Dr. Singh’s economic reforms had not only transformed India but also inspired neighbouring countries.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, a visionary leader whose economic reforms transformed India and inspired the region. His commitment to progress and integrity will continue to inspire us. Our thoughts are with his family and the people of India during this…
— Sajith Premadasa (@sajithpremadasa) December 27, 2024
Premadasa highlighted Singh’s unwavering commitment to progress and integrity, qualities that would continue to inspire generations to come. He offered his condolences to Singh’s family and to India, sending thoughts of solidarity during this moment of grief.
M.A. Sumanthiran, former Member of Parliament for the Tamil National Alliance, also paid tribute to Singh, remembering him as “a gentleman par excellence.” Sumanthiran recalled Singh’s sincere efforts towards addressing the Tamil National Question in Sri Lanka, noting that Singh’s diplomatic endeavours and leadership left a lasting impression on Sri Lankan politics.
Our most sincere condolences to the people of India on the demise of their former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. A gentleman par excellence, the architect of modern India’s economic resurgence, worked sincerely to solve the Tamil National Question in Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/XqbtbIPvEr
— M A Sumanthiran (@MASumanthiran) December 27, 2024
In his message, Sumanthiran offered his sincere condolences to the people of India, acknowledging Singh’s role in modernising India’s economy while also working towards regional stability.
Manmohan Singh’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics. Admitted to the emergency department of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Singh passed away despite efforts to revive him.
Singh served as Prime Minister of India for a historic 3,656 days, from May 22, 2004, to May 26, 2014. During his tenure at the helm of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA), he became the third-longest serving Prime Minister in Indian history, surpassed only by Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
