"He was always very friendly and welcoming. He had the interests of the Tamil people at heart and he knew the importance of the peace process for the whole of Sri Lanka." "I am very saddened and shocked at his death. My heart goes out to his wife and children in particular but also to the Tamil people, who have experienced a great loss." "I am also amazed at the actions of the Sri Lankan military in launching this attack. How can this violence and bloodshed help move the peace process forwards ? " demanded Robert Evans MEP.

"I call on all those involved in Sri Lanka to redouble their efforts to reach a solution. I call on the Tamil people, even in their time of grief not to use this as an excuse, however understandable, to retaliate with violence." added Robert Evans MEP "Above all, I call on President Rajapaksa to insist that his army and all his military cease the goevrnment side of the violence so we can see if he is serious about finding a solution for the country he governs."