Modi congratulates Ranil; extends support

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

President Ranil Wickremesinghe

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election as the eighth Executive President and expressed support to Sri Lanka.

The congratulatory letter was dated 25 July and was released by President’s Media yesterday. Modi joins Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin as global leaders in congratulating Wickremesinghe whilst notable Western and other leaders are yet to.

Following is the full text of Modi’s letter.

I extend my congratulations to you on your election as the eighth President of Sri Lanka.

You have assumed the high office at a critical time for Sri Lanka. I hope your tenure will nurture economic stabilisation as well as fulfil the aspirations of all citizens of Sri Lanka.

As a close friend and neighbour of Sri Lanka, India will continue to be supportive of the quest of the people of Sri Lanka for stability and economic recovery, through established democratic means, institutions and constitutional framework.

I look forward to working closely with you for the mutual benefit of our people as also for further strengthening the age-old, close and friendly relations between our two countries.

I wish Your Excellency a successful term in office.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.