Sri Lanka has expressed condolences to the government and people of Iran following death of President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-abdollahian in a tragic helicopter crash.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said that he signed a letter of condolence and directed it to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Colombo.

"I am deeply saddened to learn about the demise of His Excellency President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-abdollahian in a tragic helicopter crash," said the Prime Minister in his letter.

He added that the late President’s services for the people of Iran as well as to strengthen bilateral relations with Sri Lanka are legendary.

"In fact His Excellency Ebrahim Raisi’s last foreign visit was to Sri Lanka to inaugurate the Iran-assisted Uma Oya hydroelectricity-cum-irrigation project, which is immensely beneficial to the people of Sri Lanka," he noted.

On behalf of the government and the people of Sri Lanka as well as on my personal behalf, I offer my sincere condolences to the government and people of Iran and to the bereaved families of the late President and the Foreign Minister. Excellency, please accept the assurance of my highest consideration, added Dinesh Gunawardena, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka