BJP congratulates Sri Lanka's Maithripala Sirisena on poll victory

NEW DELHI: BJP today welcomed the change of guard in Sri Lanka and congratulated the new leadership, hoping the ties between the two countries will strengthen further.

"Congrats and welcome to new leadership in Sri Lanka. Congrats to people for peaceful n fair elections," BJP general secretary Ram Madhav tweeted.

The BJP leader also retweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to India's continued support for peace and development of Sri Lanka.

"I spoke to Shri Maithripala Sirisena & congratulated him. I congratulate the people of Sri Lanka on the peaceful & democratic poll process," Modi said in a tweet.

"As a close friend & neighbour, reaffirmed India's continued solidarity & support for Sri Lanka's peace, development & prosperity," the PM added.

BJP national Spokesperson M J Akbar also expressed hope that the age-old ties between India and Sri Lanka will take a fresh turn by the change brought by people in the neighbouring country.

"The triumph of democracy is always a positive sign because it reflects the changing mood of people and relations between the best of neighbours like India and Sri Lanka will always take a strong step forward when spurred by the will of people," he told PTI.

"A new government in Colombo will also mark a fresh turn in our age-old relationship," Akbar said.

Sirisena defeated Mahinda Rajapaksa in the Presidential elections held yesterday in Sri Lanka.