The congratulatory message issued by the Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma to the new President said he looks forward to working with Sirisena and his Government, both in his capacity as President of Sri Lanka and as Commonwealth Chair-in-Office.

Commonwealth Secretary-General has congratulated the new President on his success in the 8 January presidential election and his assumption of office.

"I extend my warm congratulations to President Sirisena and wish him success in the tasks that lie ahead as he takes office. I look forward to working with him and his Government, both in his capacity as President of Sri Lanka and as Commonwealth Chair-in-Office. I also look forward to welcoming him to next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta in November 2015." the Secretary-General said.

The Secretary-General commended the work and contribution of the Commonwealth Observer Group for the election and, in a telephone conversation, thanked President Bharrat Jagdeo for his leadership of the Group. He said he looks forward to receiving the Group's findings and recommendations.

He also applauded "President Rajapaksa, who swiftly honored the democratic verdict of the people."