Narendra Modi congratulates his new Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe

COLOMBO: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated his new Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe and expressed hope that his experience would be invaluable in guiding the destiny of the country and strengthen bilateral ties.

"The rich experience you will bring to bear in discharging the responsibilities of this august office will be invaluable in guiding the destiny of Sri Lanka," Modi said in his message.

The Indian Prime Minister also commended Wickremesinghe's efforts during his previous tenures as the Sri Lankan premier to strengthen Indo-Lanka relations, the statement released by Wickremesinghe's office said.

Wickremesinghe, 65, the leader of the United National Party (UNP), was appointed Prime Minister with the victory of the President Maithripala Sirisena in last week's presidential election.

Wickremesinghe returns to the post for the third time. He held the position between 1993-94 and 2002-2004.

He heads Sirisena's 100-day government which is expected to bring in constitutional and electoral reforms leading to the next parliamentary election.