US President Barack Obama, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Chinese President Xi Jinping were among a host of world leaders who have issued messages of congratulations to the newly elected President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena.

Obama praised Friday Sri Lanka’s “successful and peaceful” presidential elections and congratulated the outgoing administration on a “swift and orderly transfer of power.”

“Beyond the significance of this election to Sri Lanka, it is also a symbol of hope for those who support democracy all around the world,” the US president said in a statement.

“I congratulate the people of Sri Lanka on the successful and peaceful conclusion of Sri Lanka’s presidential election and incoming President Maithripala Sirisena on his victory,” Obama said.

“I also commend the outgoing administration of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa for facilitating a swift and orderly transition of power.”

The US leader highlighted the relatively violence-free voting process, which was monitored by international and domestic observers.

“Sri Lankans from all segments of society cast their ballots peacefully, and the voice of the people was respected.

“At this moment of hope, 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.”

Despite sporadic campaign violence including the death of one opposition party worker, the vote passed off largely peacefully.

President Xi Jinping greeted his new Sri Lankan counterpart Maithripala Sirisena, saying China wants to take the ties to a new high amid anxieties here that the big clout acquired by China under the previous regime may wear thin in the new political dispensation.

In his congratulatory message, Xi who visited Sri Lanka last year, pledged to promote the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries under Sirisena leadership.

Besides being traditional friendly neighbours, Xi noted in his message that relations have withstood the “test of time”, a gentle reminder about the heights the relations touched under previous President, Mahinda Rajapaksa.

British Premier David Cameron called on Maithripala Sirisena to facilitate the UN investigation into human rights abuses in the country.

In his congratulatory message released by Downing Street in London, Cameron expressed hope that the issues of the past will be addressed.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee congratulating Maithripala Sirisena on his assumption of office as the President expressed confidence that both countries will continue to work together to further strengthen bilateral relations.

In his message to Mr Sirisena, the President said, “India and Sri Lanka as neighbours with civilisational ties sharing a common history, cultural heritage, interests and values, have long enjoyed a tradition of close friendship and cooperation.

“I am confident that in the coming years, both countries will continue to work together to further strengthen our bilateral relations to the mutual benefit of both our peoples.

“Please accept my best wishes for the success of your endeavours for peace and development in Sri Lanka and for the progress and prosperity of its people,” the President added.

Hours before the Election Commission officially announced the result, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first world leader to congratulate Sirisena on his “historic” victory and urged him to visit India.

Modi also called for “genuine reconciliation” under Sirisena’s leadership in Sri Lanka.
In a letter to Sirisena, Modi said: “Your historic victory is a tribute to your vision for Sri Lanka, your capacity to connect with people’s yearning for change.

“I wish you all the success in building a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka, on foundations of genuine and effective reconciliation.” Modi also spoke to Sirisena on telephone.

Singapore’s top leaders have congratulated newly elected Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on his victory, expressing confidence that he could lead his nation to greater heights.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam said Mr Sirisena’s victory “is a testament of the faith that the people have in your leadership”.

Adding that Singapore has consistently supported national reconciliation, peace and progress in Sri Lanka, he said: “We hope that the positive momentum in Sri Lanka’s reconstruction and development efforts will continue.”

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in his congratulatory letter, said he was confident that under Mr Sirisena’s leadership, “Sri Lanka will continue on its current path of peace and progress and grow to greater heights”.

The president of Seychelles, James Michel, has also sent a message of congratulations to the Sri Lankan head of state.
 
Meanwhile the governments of China and Japan have also congratulated Sirisena, who defeated Mahinda Rajapaksa in the Presidential Poll on Friday.