Mahinda congratulates new British PM

Friday, 15 July 2016 01:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Continuing his duties from his previous job, MP Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday sent a letter congratulating the new British Prime Minister and wishing her success.

Theresa May took office as the Prime Minister of Britain on Thursday after David Cameron resigned following the Brexit vote. Rajapaksa had a strained relationship with the UK following its backing for international criticism of Sri Lanka’s human rights record and resolutions at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The following is his full letter.

It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you on your appointment as Prime Minister of Great Britain. You have been entrusted with the onerous task of steering your country through the process of leaving the European Union and charting a new course in the world. Though many have expressed dismay over Britain’s departure from the EU, many Commonwealth nations including Sri Lanka have already shown keen interest in negotiating trade agreements with Britain and this new situation undoubtedly opens up new opportunities for the larger body of nations outside the EU.

Given her central role in the Commonwealth, Great Britain has a major role to play in taking the lead to ensure the sovereignty, stability, territorial integrity and prosperity of Commonwealth nations. The recent experience of the European Union has demonstrated that political instability in one country can spread throughout a region and have a devastating impact on far off nations as well. I believe this makes the internal stability of nations the most important political need in today’s world.

I wish you Madame, every success during your tenure as Prime Minister of Great Britain.