The Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka on Monday expressed its deepest condolences on the sudden passing of Jean-François Pactet, the Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Ambassador Pactet, 53, passed away at his official residence in Rajagiriya on Sunday due to a sudden illness.

In a statement, the ministry conveyed its sorrow over the loss, saying, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs learns with deepest sorrow of the sudden demise of His Excellency Jean-François Pactet, Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka and the Maldives." The ministry assured that it will extend all necessary assistance to the French authorities and Ambassador Pactet's family.

The Foreign Ministry is in close coordination with the French Embassy in Sri Lanka and stated that funeral arrangements will be announced by the authorities in due course.