Chavez, a good friend of Sri Lanka - Wimal

National Freedom Front chairman and Construction and Engineering Services Minister Wimal Weerawansa said he was deeply saddened to hear about the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Weerawansa in a release said Chavez as the Venezuelan President for the last 14 years, left a lasting impression in the minds of millions of Venezuelans and oppressed masses around the world.

The release added: " President Chavez will be remembered for his bold assertion of political and economic autonomy and independence for Latin American countries and for all oppressed masses. His formidable contribution to create a new world order based on socialist policies gave hope to millions of oppressed people in the world.

"During his 14-year tenure, Chavez joined other leaders in Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia to create new forms of integration. Venezuelan poverty rates were cut in half and most importantly he freed the oil industry from the clutches of US and other imperialist and capitalist forces. The benefit of that new economic independence was enjoyed not only by millions of Venezuelans but also hundred of thousand of peoples in other nations.

"President Chavez spoke to the challenges and aspirations of the most vulnerable peoples in the world. He provided decisive impetus for new regional and global integration movements based on a Socialist vision while showing solidarity towards other nations.

"President Chavez was a good friend of Sri Lanka and her people. The diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Venezuela reached heights during his presidency.

" The future of Chavez's Socialist policies, which won him the adoration and support of Venezuelans and masses around the world but infuriated opponents, now rests on the shoulders of acting President Nicolas Maduro and his government.

"I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family of President Chavez, the Venezuelan government and the Venezuelan people at this time of national mourning."