World leaders wish GR

Monday, 18 November 2019 01:27 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Congratulate SL on peaceful Election

US expects to work with new President on improving governance, growth, and reconciliation

India and Pakistan pledge to advance bilateral friendships

GR looks forward to meeting Modi soon

Several foreign governments, including the United States and India, yesterday congratulated Sri Lanka on holding a peaceful Presidential Election, with the former saying it looked forward to working with President-elect Gotabaya Rajapaksa on improving governance, economic growth, and reconciliation.

The Presidential Election was under close scrutiny by the diplomatic community with issues about possible foreign policy changes and human rights taking prominence.

The US Ambassador to Colombo Alaina B. Teplitz tweeted a congratulatory statement stating that the US looks forward to working with Rajapaksa on a range of issues. “Congratulations to the people of #SriLanka on their democratic election. We look forward to working w/President-elect Gotabaya Rajapaksa on issues of good governance, economic growth, the advancement of human rights and reconciliation in support of a strong, sovereign Sri Lanka,” Teplitz tweeted.

Indian Premier Narendra Modi was the first leader on Twitter to congratulate Rajapaksa. “I look forward to working closely with you for deepening the close and fraternal ties between our two countries and citizens, and for peace, prosperity as well as security in our region. I also congratulate the people of Sri Lanka for the successful conduct of the elections,” Modi stated.

“Our two nations are bound by history and common beliefs and I look forward to strengthening our friendship...” Rajapaksa tweeted in reply to PM Modi. Rajapaksa also stated that he was looking forward to meeting Modi soon.

President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi also extended a congratulatory note to Rajapaksa on Twitter, stating that Pakistan hopes to continue working with him for the betterment of the people and to advance our shared interests of regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

“Pakistan appreciates the conduct of a free, fair and peaceful election by the Election Commission and the Government. The leadership of Pakistan looks forward to working with the new President and his team to further strengthen the already strong relationship between the two countries,” said the Pakistani High Commission in a press release.

Also on Twitter, Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid congratulated Rajapaksa and expressed delight that Sri Lanka continued its proud democratic tradition of a smooth transfer of power. Shahid pointed out that peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka were good for the Maldives and stated that they look forward to working with the incoming Government to take bilateral ties to a new level.