President Mahinda Rajapaksa has sent a message of condolence to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on the passing of Bangladeshi President Zillur Rahman.

“President Rahman was an inspirational senior member of the Awami League whose dedicated service to his nation will long be treasured,” President Rajapaksa said in his message.

President Rahman died Wednesday at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness. He was receiving treatment at a hospital in Singapore at the time of his death.

Expressing the sympathies of the government and the people of Sri Lanka , President Rajapaksa said, “The outstanding contribution made by late President Rahman as a veteran politician to his country is to be commended.”