COLOMBO, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government said on Sunday that it regretted the execution of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, but hoped it would not affect the process of restoring peace and normalcy in Iraq.

    "We are dismayed at the execution of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein which was carried out on Eid-ul-adha Haj festival day, one of the holiest day in the Islamic calendar," said Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera in a short statement.

    "While regretting this unfortunate turn of events we fervently hope that this will not affect negatively, the process of restoring peace and normalcy in Iraq," the statement added.

    Saddam was executed early Saturday in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.