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World leaders hail President Sirisena’s victory, praise triumph of democracy
View(s):World leaders led by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated newly elected President Maithripala Sirisena on his victory and praised the triumph of democracy in the country.
Prime Minister Modi called President Sirisena on Friday and congratulated him and the people of Sri Lanka on the peaceful and democratic poll process.
Prime Minister Modi noted that India was a close friend and neighbour of Sri Lanka, and “reaffirmed India’s continued solidarity and support for Sri Lanka’s peace, development and prosperity,” the Indian High Commission said in a news release.
India’s President Pranab Mukherjee as well as the President of the Congress Party, Sonia Gandhi too, sent their good wishes to the new President.
South Asian leaders including Maldivian President Abdul Hamid and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina too sent congratulatory messages to the new President.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the free and fair election in Sri Lanka contributed immensely towards the development of democracy within the country. In his statement, he hoped that the understanding as well as the ties between the two countries would grow under the new president’s tenure.
United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said the election was a legitimate transfer of power which showed respect for “democratic governance.” He also pledged the UN’s unwavering assistance in ensuring Sri Lanka’s “development, reconciliation, political dialogue and accountability.”
U.S. President Barack Obama said the election process reaffirms the world’s hope in democracy, because watch groups were allowed to monitor freely and people from all walks of society exercised their franchise.
“At this moment, the U.S. 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.” he added. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry too, in a separate message praised the electoral process in Sri Lanka.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, in his message, said he hoped that the newly elected president would use this as “an important opportunity to resolve concerns regarding the devolution of power, accountability and genuine reconciliation.”
British Prime Minister, David Cameron in his message, encouraged President Maithripala Sirisena to support the UN Human Rights Commission’s probe into the war related human rights allegations, so that, questions of the past can be answered, for the country to move forward as one.
The European Union (EU) also extended their support in developing Sri Lanka under the guidance of the new president. “The EU will continue to support Sri Lanka as a prosperous and inclusive democracy for the benefit of all its citizens.” said EU Commission Vice President, Federica Mogherini.
Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg in her statement pledged their support to the new President. “I look forward to working with President Maithripala Sirisena and his government to promote a peaceful, inclusive and democratic Sri Lanka,” she said.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France issued a statement respecting the new president’s will to implement his manifesto and bring about a country that is “respectful of human rights.”
Speaking on behalf of the Australian government, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop spoke of the election result as a reflection of the “will of the Sri Lankan people.” She added that the two countries which have strong ties, must work together to solve mutual and regional problems with special reference to people smuggling.
Top officials of the Singapore government expressed their confidence in President Maithripala Sirisena’s ability to guide the nation in its current path towards greatness. “Your victory is a testament of the faith the people have in your leadership,” said President Tony Tan Keng Yam.
China’s President, Xi Jinping reminded the new president of the long standing ties between the countries and expressed his hope to strengthen these relations, as one of his priorities.
On behalf of the Japanese people, the Minister for Foreign Affairs also extended his support in bringing about “national reconciliation, democracy and economic development” in Sri Lanka, which he believes would help strengthen the long standing connection between the two countries.