President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Father Emir of Qatar.

In his message on ‘X’, the President noted that Sheikh Hamad’s visionary leadership and service to Qatar will be remembered. 

On behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka, he extended heartfelt condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Royal Family, and the people of Qatar.

“May his soul rest in peace,” the President stated.

Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin ⁠Khalifa Al Thani, the architect of Qatar’s remarkable transformation into an ultra-wealthy modern nation with global influence, has been laid to rest in Doha following his death at the age of 74.

Sheikh Hamad’s death was announced on Sunday morning, and his simple funeral ceremony was held after the daily evening prayer at sunset at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in the capital.