Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar Thursday condoled the deaths of King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya  and other members of the royal family and relatives in a shoot-out at the Royal Palace on June 1.

King Birendra was one of the pioneers and founding fathers of SAARC, he said while inaugurating a meeting of seven foreign secretaries of the regional organization in Colombo. The late King made significant contribution to launch regional co-operation is South Asia, Kadirgamar said. One minute silence was observed as a mark of respect for the royal couple and other members of the royal family. Foreign Secretary Narayan Shumshere Thapa expressed thanks for the tributes paid to the King.