South Asia has lost another great leader - President

South Asia has lost another leader to the scourge of terrorism haunting the region, states President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a condolence message on the assassination of Pakistani Opposition Leader Benazir Bhutto.

The message reads: "It is unthinkable that the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto, should become the latest leader to fall victim to terrorism.

"Her courage and commitment, having escaped the first attempt on her life, is an ineluctable mark of her fearless character to take up the challenge posed by terrorism.

In refusing to bow down to terrorism she has given hope to other South Asians facing the brutal horrors of this menace in the region.

"She was also a role model for the women of Asia who were taking measured steps to break loose from the shackles of the past. Her commitment and her fearless perseverance will be a beacon to the younger generation."I mourn her loss.

"I offer my sincere condolences to her family and to the people of Pakistan."