I am shocked and saddened by the assassination of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. This senseless murder was a vicious act of terror, which the United States strongly condemns. Those responsible must be brought to justice.

I offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to Mr. Kadirgamar's family and to his friends and colleagues in Sri Lanka who will miss him greatly.

I last met Foreign Minister Kadirgamar this June. He was a man of dignity, honor and integrity, who devoted his life to bringing peace to Sri Lanka. Together, we must honor his memory by re-dedicating ourselves to peace and ensuring that the Cease-Fire remains in force.