Secretary-General congratulates Sri Lanka's new president

09 January 2015
News

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma today congratulated the incoming President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, on his success in the 8 January presidential election and his assumption of office.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma today congratulated the incoming President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena, on his success in the 8 January presidential election and his assumption of office.

The Secretary-General commended the work and contribution of the Commonwealth Observer Group for the election and, in a telephone conversation, thanked President Bharrat Jagdeo for his leadership of the Group. He looked forward to receiving the Group's findings and recommendations

The Secretary-General said, "I extend my warm congratulations to President Sirisena and wish him success in the tasks that lie ahead as he takes office. I look forward to working with him and his Government, both in his capacity as President of Sri Lanka and as Commonwealth Chair-in-Office. I also look forward to welcoming him to next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta in November 2015".

He continued, "I also applaud President Rajapaksa, who swiftly honoured the democratic verdict of the people".