Saturday, August 13 2005 14:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The CPI (M) (Communist Party of India Marxist) today (Aug 13, 2005) strongly condemned Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar's assassination and said he was a vigorous campaigner for the betterment of relations between India and Sri Lanka.

"In his death India has lost a dear friend who strove to improve bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka as well as amongst the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Co-Operation) countries," the Polit Bureau of the CPI (M) said in a statement.

It also described Kadirgamar as a champion of ethnic harmony, who strove tirelessly for establishing everlasting peace in Sri Lanka, and was known for his benevolence and warmth.

"The Polit Bureau of CPI (M) conveys its heartfelt condolences to his family and to the people of Sri Lanka," it said.