Singapore, March 29: Tens of thousands of people Sunday braved heavy rains to bid a adieu to Singapore’s founding leader Lee Kuan Yew (91) in a grand funeral attended by many world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who described him as one of the ‘‘tallest leaders of our times.’’
Lee, the city-state’s prime minister for 31 years and widely respected as the architect of Singapore’s prosperity, died of pneumonia March 23.
Global dignitaries, including monarchs, presidents, prime ministers and former leaders, joined thousands of Singaporeans in a state funeral service which was telecast live and streamed on various social media.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Singapore Sunday morning and attended the service.
Defence sirens were blown throughout Singapore’s housing estates for a minute of silence to pay respects as the last post was played on by a military bugler.
Earlier, Singaporeans lined up amid heavy downpour along a 15.4-km route on which Lee’s coffin, draped in red-and-white Singapore flag and protected from the downpour by a glass casing, made a journey from Parliament House to the University Cultural Centre where the service was held. PTI
