Former Foreign Ministry Secretary and veteran diplomat Karunathilake Amunugama has passed away. 

Amunugama, who joined the foreign service in 1985, has served several key foreign missions including Bangkok, Tokyo and Beijing. 

He served as the Foreign Ministry Secretary under the previous government.

Announcing his death, the External Affairs Ministry said it was deeply saddened by Amunugama's death. 

It also added that the former Foreign Ministry Secretary was an official who served the country with dedication.