President extends condolences following passing of Qatar’s former Emir Sheikh Hamad

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed his condolences following the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of Qatar.In a message shared on X, President Dissanayake said Sheikh Hamad’s visionary leadership and contributions to Qatar would be remembered.The President extended his sympathies on behalf of the Government and people of Sri Lanka to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Royal Family, and the people of Qatar.He also conveyed his prayers for the departed soul to rest in peace.Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who transformed Qatar into a major regional power during his rule, passed away at the age of 74, according to the country’s Amiri Diwan.Sheikh Hamad served as Qatar’s Emir from 1995 to 2013 before handing over power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Emir of Qatar.