Several Countries Condole Jayalalithaa’s Demise

New Delhi: The US and several other countries on Tuesday condoled the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

Leaders from countries that have a significant Tamil population like Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore also expressed grief over the AIADMK leader's demise. “On behalf of the US, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and the people of Tamil Nadu following her passing yesterday,” American Ambassador Richard Verma said. He said that she will be remembered for her years of public service to Tamil Nadu and as a supporter of closer ties between the United States and India. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Tamil Nadu during this time of sorrow,” he said.

In his message, French Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler expressed his heartfelt condolences and said, “Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was a prominent leader who was loved and admired by millions. My thoughts and sympathy go out to her near and dear ones and the grief-stricken people of Tamil Nadu and India.”

Canadian High Commissioner to India Nadir Patel said he was deeply saddened by Jayalalithaa's death. “I extend my sincere condolences to her family, and to the people of Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and her valuable contributions to the people, development and progress of Tamil Nadu will not be forgotten,” Patel said in his message.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said Jayalalithaa was dearly loved by her people. “Chief Minister (Tamil Nadu) Jayalalithaa was a leader dearly loved by her people. I express my condolences to her loved ones and the people of Tamil Nadu,” Sirisena said.

Nepal's President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Tuesday condoled the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. Bhandari and Prachanda sent separate messages of condolences to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, respectively.

In their messages, the Nepal President and the Prime Minister expressed heartfelt condolences to their Indian counterparts and through them to the bereaved family, according to a statement issued here by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.