KUALA LUMPUR: Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena has congratulated Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on his victory in the general election on May 9.
In his congratulatory message issued through a statement yesterday, Maithripala said the historic victory embodied the faith and trust that the people of Malaysia placed on his gifted leadership and political acumen.
“I strongly believe that, under your outstanding stewardship, Malaysia will reach a further milestone in its successful journey,” he said.
He also said that Sri Lanka and Malaysia were bound by historic people-to-people contacts and shared common causes in the international arena.
“I recall with admiration our meeting during my official visit to Malaysia in December 2016 where I had the privilege of discussing matters of interest,” he said.
He believed that under Dr Mahathir’s leadership, the longstanding and cordial relationship between Colombo and Kuala Lumpur would be further consolidated for the mutual benefit of the people, expanding into new vistas of cooperation.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in a separate statement, congratulated Dr Mahathir for his election victory.
“I am confident that your wisdom and diverse experience, combined with commitment and vision, would guide Malaysia to greater heights of prosperity,” he said.
He said Sri Lanka and Malaysia enjoyed a traditional and longstanding friendship which had reached new dimensions.
“I am confident that these close and cordial relations will be further strengthened and consolidated in the years ahead for the mutual benefit of our countries,” he added.
Dr Mahathir was sworn in as the seventh prime minister of Malaysia on Thursday, following Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the 14th general election. — Bernama