COLOMBO, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka on Tuesday condoled over the death of India's Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa Jayaram, who was very outspoken on issues related to Sri Lanka.
President Maithripala Sirisena said former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa Jayaram was dearly loved by her people.
The President expressed his condolences over the death of Jayalalithaa who passed away on Monday after suffering from cardiac arrest.
"Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was a leader dearly loved by her people. I express my condolences to her loved ones and the people of Tamil Nadu," he said.
Sri Lanka's parliament also noted Jayalalithaa's death with the main minority Tamil party, the Tamil National Alliance, recalling the interest she showed on Sri Lankan affairs.
Tamil National Alliance Parliamentarian Mavai Senathirajah told parliament Jayalalithaa was very active on the fishing disputes involving Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen.
Jayalalithaa has been pushing for the release of Indian boats in Sri Lankan custody and for a permanent solution to the issue.
Indian fishermen are often arrested for poaching in Sri Lankan waters and their boats are not released.
Jayalalithaa has also been a strong advocate on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue, demanding a political solution for the Tamils in the North who suffered during 30 years of war.
