Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his felicitation message congratulated Maithripala Sirisena on his election as President of Sri Lanka and expressed the hope that the relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would continue to prosper during his term in the office.

A statement issued by its High Commission said that Pakistan greatly appreciates the conduct of a free, fair and peaceful election by the election commission and the government of Sri Lanka. The ex-President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s gracious gesture of accepting people’s will and facilitating a smooth transfer of power is greatly appreciated as a valuable contribution to Sri Lankan democracy.

The leadership of Pakistan looks forward to working with the new President and his team to further strengthen the already strong relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan is also expected to personally convey his felicitations to the newly elected President shortly.