Sri Lanka's New President Anura Dissanayake Aims to Strengthen Ties with India

Sri Lanka's President-designate Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for his congratulatory wishes. Dissanayake emphasized fortifying bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation. Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to the region, stressing Sri Lanka's importance in India's Neighbourhood First Policy.

Sri Lanka's President-designate Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday for his congratulations following his election victory. In a social media post, Dissanayake emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between India and Sri Lanka, pledging to enhance cooperative efforts.

"Thank you, Prime Minister Modi, for your kind words and support. I share your commitment to strengthening the ties between our nations. Together, we can work towards enhancing cooperation for the benefit of our peoples and the entire region," said Dissanayake. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended his congratulations to Dissanayake after the latter's victory in the presidential election on Sunday.

PM Modi's post underscored Sri Lanka's significance in India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR, which focuses on cooperative measures for a secure and stable maritime domain. "Congratulations, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, on your victory. Sri Lanka holds a special place in our policies. I look forward to strengthening our multifaceted cooperation," Modi stated.

India's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, also conveyed greetings to Dissanayake, reiterating India's commitment to deepening bilateral ties for mutual prosperity. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna party, was officially declared the ninth Executive President of Sri Lanka after the country's first-ever Presidential election run-off.

The election commission confirmed his win after a historic second vote count. Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe was eliminated in the initial round, marking his third unsuccessful presidential bid.

(With inputs from agencies.)