UN Chief encourages new government to make progress on good governance

New York: Applauding Sri Lanka’s peaceful parliament election, the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon encouraged the new government in the island nation to make further progress on good governance, accountability and reconciliation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the UN Chief applauded the people of Sri Lanka for their “peaceful and broad-based participation” in the parliamentary elections of 17 August.

He commended the Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena for having “shepherded an inclusive process” and the Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya for his exemplary efforts in helping guarantee the exercise of the right to vote of the people of Sri Lanka.

“The Secretary-General encourages the new Government to make further progress on good governance, accountability and reconciliation,” the statement said.

The Secretary General said he looks forward to continuing to work with the President, the Prime Minister, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka in support of building long-term peace and prosperity for the country.

A majority of Sri Lankans at Monday’s general elections chose to further proceed with the political change that began with the election of President Sirisena on January 8 this year rejecting the divisive politics by the opposition United People’s Freedom Alliance.