Full text of the condolence message:

I am deeply saddened by the demise of former President of India Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, an outstanding visionary, a great teacher and an unparalleled human being.

During his visit to Sri Lanka last month, I had the privilege of discussing many issues with this great personality and I had the opportunity to tell him that he had inspired me to a great extent.

The people of Sri Lanka will never forget Dr Kalam and his vision for South Asia 2020, which he elaborated at length to a spellbound audience of our youths at the Bandaranaike Memoriam Conference Hall in Colombo. Dr. Kalam will always remain immortal in our hearts and memories for generations to come.

Dr Kalam will not only be remembered for the immeasurably remarkable achievements and marks he left behind, but surely as a great human, for his determined character, for his simplicity and love and the way he could ignite our minds.

Dr. Kalam was a man of firm conviction and indomitable spirit and I saw him as an outstanding statesman of the world. His death is an irreparable loss not only to India but to the entire world.

I, on behalf of the government and people of Sri Lanka and on my personal behalf, offer my deepest condolences to his brother and other close relations living in Sri Lanka and to the government and the people of India, offer deepest condolences.

May his soul Rest in Peace.