The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the passing away of Sri Lankan economist Gamani Corea.
In his condolence message, Dr. Singh described Gamani Corea as an outstanding international civil servant and diplomat, a brilliant economist and above all, a warm and caring human being.
"I am deeply saddened to learn that Gamani Corea is no more. Gamani was an outstanding international civil servant and diplomat, a brilliant economist, and above all, a warm and caring human being," he said.
"I was particularly proud to be able to call him a friend for over three decades, a friendship of which I cherish the warmest memories. It was also a particular privilege that he was a member of the South Commission during the time that I served as its Secretary General," he added.
Dr Singh further said Gamani's work and thinking in the arena of economic development were of immense significance, not only for Sri Lanka, but also for developing countries around the world.
"His contribution to the world of UNCTAD during his time as its Secretary General was particularly important in ensuring that the voice of developing countries was heard and that their developmental priorities were not lost sight of. He lent his influential voice in support of some of the most important international initiatives aimed at the welfare of developing countries, such as the Integrated Program for Commodities, and the Highly Indebted Poor Country Initiative," he said.
"Gamani's passing away is a great loss not only to Sri Lanka, but also to Asia and the world. I send my condolences to his family, as well as to his friends and admirers around the world and join them in paying my tribute to his memory," he added.
Gamani Corea - one of the chief architects of Sri Lanka's first national plan in the late 1950s - passed away in Colombo on Saturday. He was 87.