(UTV | COLOMBO) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs to inform all public buildings to hoist the national flag at half mast on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The President’s Media Division said the period of national mourning will be announced subsequently.
President Wickremesinghe also expressed his deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the government, and the people of the United Kingdom on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Head of the Commonwealth.
The President in his condolence message said Her Majesty reigned as Queen of Ceylon from 1952-1972.
Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
Her son King Charles III said the death of his beloved mother was a “moment of great sadness” for him and his family and that her loss would be “deeply felt” around the world.
Senior royals had gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday.
The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.
