SL leadership eyes closer economic cooperation with Modi

• President and PM congratulate Modi on winning second term 
• Outline plans to engage on multiple fronts including economy 
• Rajapaksa also wants SL-Indo relations to move forward 

President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on winning a second term, and particularly expressed expectations on continuing close relations between the two countries. 

President Maithripala Sirisena, issuing a congratulatory message, stated that: “The decision of the people of India to entrust your Party and its alliance partners the responsibility of guiding India’s destiny for a further term with this renewed mandate, is a clear endorsement of the policies adopted under your stewardship.”

The President further said: “Having been associated with you, I would like to express the hope that in your second term at India’s helm, bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and India will continue to grow and strengthen, particularly on the economic front.”

He also emphasised that India has a key role to play in spearheading regional growth that brings prosperity to the region.  “It is undoubted that India, as one of the largest economies in the world, has a key role in spearheading regional growth, which brings prosperity to the entire region. I look forward to working closely with you towards the achievement of this objective.”

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also congratulated his Indian counterpart and expressed hopes of working closer with India on mutual points of cooperation. 

“I have immense pleasure in extending to you my warmest congratulations and sincere best wishes on the victory of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the recent General Election of India, and your resumption of the high office of Prime Minister of India. The support you received from the people of India is clearly a manifestation of their trust and confidence in your leadership,” the message said.  

“Sri Lanka and India have enjoyed strong traditional ties in the political, economic, social and cultural spheres for many centuries. I look forward to work closely with you to take forward the ongoing initiatives in our multi-faceted sectors of cooperation, for the mutual benefit of our peoples. I remain confident that the time-tested bilateral friendship between our two countries will be further consolidated and expanded during your second consecutive term of office,” the message added.  

“I take this opportunity to extend to you my best wishes for your health and happiness, as well as for the prosperity and well-being of the people of India.”          

In a tweet, Leader of the Opposition and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa said he is sending Modi the “heartiest best wishes and congratulations” for getting a second term in office.

“We wish you and the people of India the very best under your dynamic leadership, as you continue your journey to take India forward.”

“We hope both our nations will build on the existing strong bilateral relationship that we share, and work together to further strengthen it for mutual benefit under your leadership.”