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Congratulatory messages from near and far via telephone calls and twitter
View(s):Regional leaders rushed to wish Mahinda Rajapaksa as his party the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) recorded a landslide victory while congratulatory messages poured in from leading nations.
Neighbouring Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Imran Khan both telephoned Mr. Rajapaksa to congratulated him.
PM Modi commended the government and the electoral institutions of Sri Lanka for effectively organising the elections despite the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.
Prime Minister Modi had informed Premier Rajapaksa about the establishment of an international airport in the Buddhist pilgrimage city of Kushinagar in India, and that the city is looking forward to welcoming visitors from Sri Lanka at an early date.
The leaders agreed to remain in close touch as both countries address the challenges posed by COVID 19 pandemic, and resolved to take bilateral relations to newer heights in the coming days.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while congratulating via telephone has expressed Pakistan’s full support to Sri Lanka in all areas of cooperation.
While extending an invitation to Mahinda Rajapaksa to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, Premier Khan has stated that Pakistan has always stood by Sri Lanka as its proud partner for security, growth, progress and development.
The two countries have also agreed to work closely within the framework of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Pakistan High Commission in Colombo said. Both Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohomed Salih and Vice President Faisal Naseem too had congratulated Mr. Rajapaksa
“Congratulations on a resounding victory in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections today. We are confident this win would usher in greater prosperity for the Sri Lankan people and foster even closer ties between Maldives and Sri Lanka,” Maldivian President Salih’s Twitter message said.
Nepal’s premier K.P. Sharma Oli had called and congratulated Mr. Rajapaksa.
“I called Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka today to congratulate him on behalf of the government and people of Nepal as well as on my own and the NCP, on the landslide electoral victory of SLPP and conveyed best wishes for his successful tenure of office,” Mr. Sharma Oli said on Twitter.
Meanwhile Mr. Rajapaksa thanked Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on his wishes.
“Sri Lanka and Australia have been steadfast partners for many years on a number of issues. I specially remember Australia’s support during CHOGM 2013. I know our good relations will continue to grow strong,” Mr. Rajapaksa said via Twitter.
The United States also congratulated the country for holding elections in a peaceful and orderly manner despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As the new parliament convenes, we hope the government will renew its commitments to building an inclusive economic recovery, upholding human rights and the rule of law, and protecting the country’s sovereignty,” the United States said in its message.
The Government of Japan said that it commends Sri Lanka’s long-established tradition of democracy which was further strengthened through the election.
“While congratulating the government’s victory in the election, Japan, as a long-standing friend of Sri Lanka, will continue to support Sri Lanka’s effort towards further development as a hub of the Indian Ocean region,” the message said.