World leaders send congratulatory messages

By Manjula Fernando

World leaders from across the globe sent in congratulatory messages to Sri Lanka’s new President Maithripala Sirisena since yesterday praising the conduct of elections and the smooth transition of power as being a model for any democracy.

US President Barak Obama	British Prime Minister David Cameron	Chinese President Xi Jin Ping	Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi	Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif	EU Vice-President Federica Mogherini

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was the first to wish the new President on Friday morning. Speaking over the phone, shortly after the news of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa leaving Temple Trees conceding defeat, he said that India was a close friend and neighbour of Sri Lanka.

He had reaffirmed India’s continued solidarity and support for Sri Lanka’s peace, development and prosperity.

While congratulating the new President, US President Barak Obama commended former President Mahinda Rajapaksa for facilitating a swift and orderly transition of power, adding that it is also a symbol of hope for those who support democracy around the world.

A statement issued by the White House quoted the President as saying,”The United States looks forward to deepening its partnership with the people and government of Sri Lanka and to working with President Sirisena to advance peace, democracy and prosperity for all Sri Lankans.”

The European Union in a congratulatory message issued yesterday, said the EU looks forward to working with President Sirisena to further develop its relations with Sri Lanka.

“I also wish to pay tribute to the Sri Lankan people and authorities for the overall conduct of the election and the strong voter turnout, which augur well for the democratic process,” EU Vice-President Federica Mogherini said.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in a felicitation message expressed the hope that relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would continue to prosper during his term in the office.

Prime Minister Sharif expected to personally convey his felicitations to the newly elected President shortly.

British Prime Minister David Cameron in his message said “These peaceful democratic elections are a credit to all those involved and the people of Sri Lanka”.

Chinese President Xi Jin Ping in a message said it hoped to strengthen ties with Sri Lanka under the new President while Japan said it will continue to support Sri Lanka’s economic prosperity and national reconciliation.

The Chinese leader said “China and Sri Lanka are traditionally good neighbours .Since the inception of diplomatic relations, China-Sri Lanka relationship has withstood the test of time and become a model for peaceful co-existence and mutual beneficial cooperation between neighbours”

China considers Sri Lanka as a reliable friend and a partner.I attach great importance to the development of our bilateral relations .I’m willing to establish a good working relationship with you and expect to work together with you to push the China-Sri Lanka Strategic Co-operative Partnership to a new level”