Germany to keep close eye on new Lankan Government

Germany says?it?will follow the upcoming formation of a new government in Sri Lanka with great interest, and looks forward to continuing Germany?s cooperation with Sri Lanka, which was?intensified at the beginning of the year.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier?said Germany welcomes the fact that, following the presidential elections at the beginning of the year, the parliamentary elections have also proceeded peacefully and smoothly.

“Free and fair elections are the key to a functioning democracy. The way in which these elections were held is therefore especially encouraging.?With their high turnout and their involvement in the election campaign, the Sri Lankan people have shown how important their country?s democratic development is to them,” he said.

He also said that the Sri Lanka?s authorities and the EU election observers, whose report Germany?eagerly awaits, deserve respect. (Colombo Gazette)