Issuing a statement France commended the smooth conduct of the parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka, which enjoyed a high voter turnout.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development Spokesperson in a statement said the election is a further step toward strengthening democracy in Sri Lanka.

"We hope that it will also make it possible to continue the efforts undertaken since the election of President Maithripala Sirisena to promote human rights and reconciliation between communities," the statement said.

"France stands alongside the Sri Lankan authorities and people in this process and intends to work with the new government toward strengthening our bilateral relations," the statement added.

Sri Lankan voters elected the Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe's United National Party at the parliamentary elections held on August 17 to lead the government in order to carry forward the political reforms initiated with the election of President Maithripala Sirisena in January.