The assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 31st October 1984 shocked the whole world. Mrs Bandaranaike, with whom Mrs Gandhi had enjoyed a close relationship for nearly thirty years since their first meeting in London in 1956,was deeply saddened at the untimely demise of a loyal friend and distinguished counterpart. Attending the funeral with her daughter, Sunethra Bandaranaike and her son, Anura Bandaranaike, who was Leader of the Opposition at the time, Mrs Bandaranaike joined a large number of world leaders who arrived in New Delhi for the final rites which took place along the banks of the Ganges.