India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has welcomed the completion of peaceful transfer of power in Sri Lanka following its recently held presidential elections, adding that the island country has a healthy tradition of democratic change.

“Sri Lanka has a very healthy tradition of democratic change at regular intervals. You can look back at its history. We welcome this completion of the democratic exercise in Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was amongst the earliest to congratulate the new President of Sri Lanka,” MEA official spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin told the media.

Akbaruddin further stated that India looks forward to a cordial relationship with Sri Lanka.

“The Sri Lankan President, when he met our envoy there, indicated that he would be visiting India at an early date in his tenure. We look forward to that visit. We look forward to a relationship with Sri Lanka which is cordial, which is warm and friendly.”

“We hope for peace and stability in Sri Lanka and hope that the new Government is Sri Lanka will take into account the views of all segments of the Sri Lankan population to live a life of dignity and peace,” he added.

Last week, Sri Lanka went to polls, with 19 candidates contesting the elections. Maithiripala Sirisena was voted the new President, beating the incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa after securing 51.28 percent of the votes cast.

Meanwhile UK’s Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Hugo Swire has stated that they look forward to building relations with the new Sri Lankan government.

“Just congratulated Ranil Wickremesinghe, #SriLanka‘s new PM. Look forward to building stronger relations with new Sri Lankan government,” the Foreign Office Minister said in a twitter message.

With ANI inputs