President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday he was saddened by the news of the sudden demise of veteran artiste Joe Abeywickrama who made an immense contribution to bring Sri Lankan cinema to the international arena.

Abeywickrama’s service for the development of the local cinema will be remembered by the nation with gratitude, President Rajapaksa said in a condolence message.

“As I am attending the UN General Assembly, I am unable to pay my last respect to this artiste,” the President said.

The President said Abeywickrama was an exemplary actor who grave pride of place for Sri Lankan traditional culture. He also won an international award for the best actor.

Abeywickrama was acclaimed as the best charactor actor by Sri Lankans and his services should be remembered with gratitude, the President said. The message further said that the loss of a star like Abeywickrama is an irreparable loss to the Sri Lankan cinema industry.

"I extend my and the government's condolences to the bereaved family," he said.