Modi confident ties with Lanka will get stronger

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi says he is confident ties with Sri Lanka will get stronger under the leadership of Prime Minister?Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Modi congratulated Ranil Wickremesinghe, on the “wonderful performance” of his alliance in the elections in Sri Lanka, Modi’s office said.

?Spoke to Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe and congratulated him on his alliance?s wonderful performance in the elections.?I am confident that under Mr. Wickremesinghe?s leadership, bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka will get stronger.?I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Sri Lanka on the peaceful conduct of polls?, the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has sent a message of congratulations ?to Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, following the parliamentary elections held on Monday.

The President?s message reads as follows: ??On behalf of the people and the Government of Maldives I wish to convey my sincere congratulations to you and the United National Party (UNP) for the party?s victory in Sri Lanka?s parliamentary elections. Allow me also to congratulate you on your impending re-election as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. The election results are a testament to the trust and confidence that Sri Lankans have in your leadership and commitment to foster the progress of your beloved nation.?

?I look forward to working closely with you in further expanding the enduring ties of friendship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. I am confident that the close bilateral relations between our two countries will reach new heights under your continued leadership.?

?The people of the Maldives join me in wishing you success in your endeavour to bring prosperity and advancement to Sri Lanka.??(Colombo Gazette)