The Australian Government on Saturday congratulated President Maithripala Sirisena on his election win and wished him well in implementing his mandate for democratic reform, good governance and anti-corruption.  

Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop congratulated all Sri Lankans, particularly election officials, on the conduct of peaceful and orderly presidential polls on 8 January 2015, which saw a strong voter turnout and a “result that reflects the will of the Sri Lankan people.”

She also commended outgoing President Rajapaksa for his acceptance of the results and undertakings for a peaceful and orderly transition of power.

“The Australian Government congratulates Maithripala Sirisena on his election win and wishes him well in implementing his mandate for democratic reform, good governance and anti-corruption.”  

“We look forward to working with the new government in support of this agenda, to further develop our strong bilateral relationship, and to address shared regional and global challenges,” Bishop said in a statement.

She stated that Australia’s close and long-standing bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka is founded upon extensive people-to-people links, growing trade and investment ties, an effective development partnership and close cooperation on security and transnational crime, particularly countering people smuggling.

“We will continue to engage with Sri Lanka in support of its reconciliation agenda.”