Sri Lanka Presidential polls: PM Narendra Modi congratulates Maithripala Sirisena on poll victory

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called up Maithripala Sirisena to congratulate him on his victory in the Sri Lankan polls and assured him of India's continued solidarity and support to the country's peace and development.

"I spoke to Shri Maithripala Sirisena and congratulated him. I congratulate the people of Sri Lanka on the peaceful and democratic poll process," he said.

"As a close friend and neighbour, reaffirmed India's continued solidarity and support for Sri Lanka's peace, development and prosperity," the Prime Minister said.

I spoke to Shri Maithripala Sirisena & congratulated him. I congratulate the people of Sri Lanka on the peaceful & democratic poll process.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 9, 2015

President Mahinda Rajapaksa today conceded defeat in Sri Lanka's tightest-ever presidential race, with cumulative results showing opposition candidate Sirisena ahead.

With final result yet to be declared, Sirisena is expected to be declared winner by around 4,00,000 votes.

Sri Lankans had yesterday voted in large numbers in the bitterly contested presidential election in the biggest political shake-up in over a decade.