Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Sri Lanka Cremates Slain Foreign Minister
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=E9A4F4:3919ACA

Lakshman Kadirgamar was assassinated late Friday at his home by
unknown snipers





Lakshman Kadirgamar's casket is set in place for cremationSri Lanka
has held a state funeral for slain Foreign Minister Lakshman
Kadirgamar in Colombo amid tight security.

President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who survived a 1999 bomb attack
herself, ignored security concerns and joined foreign and local
dignitaries to pay her last respects at the cremation ceremony.

A white carriage with a golden dome bore Mr. Kadirgamar's flag-draped
coffin from his residence to the heavily-guarded Independence Square.

Authorities declared a day of mourning Monday and ordered shops and
cinemas closed as a sign of respect for Mr. Kadirgamar, who was
assassinated late Friday at his home by unknown snipers.

The government blames Tamil Tiger rebels for the assassination of Mr.
Kadirgamar, who himself was a Tamil, but the rebels have denied any
involvement.


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