President Sirisena in a Twitter message said the former UN Chief served the world graciously and his loss would be felt for years to come.

"My condolences are with the loved ones of Boutros Boutros-Ghali. He served the world graciously and his loss will be felt for years to come."

Boutros Boutros-Ghali died at age 93, on Tuesday at a Cairo hospital after being admitted with a broken pelvis.

The Egyptian diplomat was the first African UN Secretary General. He served as the head of the UN from 1 January 1992 - 31 December 1996.