Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday announced that he will crusade for an economic, social and political transformation in the country as pledged in his election manifesto.

The President while stressing that he does not have any intention to contest for the second term of office, added that he is committed to build a society where freedom, democracy, people’s sovereignty and law and order reign.

Read more: President Maithripala Sirisena pledges -A crusade for socio-economic and political transformation

US President Barack Obama yesterday congratulated Sri Lanka's newly-elected President Maithripala Sirisena on his victory.

"On behalf of the American people, I congratulate the people of Sri Lanka on the successful and peaceful conclusion of Sri Lanka's presidential election and incoming President Maithripala Sirisena on his victory," President Obama said in a statement.

Read more: Obama congratulates new President, commends outgoing President

The British Prime Minister David Cameron in a congratulatory message wished the newly elected President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena well in taking every opportunity to lead a stable, prosperous, united country.

The British PM congratulated Maithripala Sirisena on his victory in the Presidential election and credited all those involved and the people of Sri Lanka for a peaceful election.

Read more: British PM wishes newly elected President every opportunity to lead a stable, prosperous, united country

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to Sri Lanka's new President Maithripala Sirisena to visit India at the earliest opportunity.

The official Spokesperson of India's Ministry of External Affairs Syed Akbaruddin said at the press briefing yesterday that India is proud of Sri Lanka's democratic process and India's leader was among the first to congratulate about island nation's elections.

Read more: Indian PM invites new President for a visit at the earliest opportunity

The European Union said today that it looks forward to working with the new President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena to further develop its relations with Sri Lanka.

In a statement, the High Representative/Vice-President of the European Union Federica Mogherini congratulated Maithripala Sirisena on his election as President of Sri Lanka.

Read more: EU looks forward to working with new President

The United Nations Secretary - General while congratulating the people of Sri Lanka on the successful presidential elections said he is looking forward to working with the new President Maithripala Sirisena.

A statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General said the UNSG congratulates the people of Sri Lanka on the successful conclusion of the presidential election, and welcomes the constitutional transfer of power.

Read more: UN welcomes constitutional transfer of power in Sri Lanka

After an intensive and well-conducted election with strong participation from all regions of the country, albeit with some outbursts of violence, the Sri Lankan people have given victory to Maithripala Sirisena, the surprise challenger to the incumbent Mahindra Rajapaksa. 

On behalf of the Friends of Sri Lanka in the European Parliament, Geoffrey Van Orden commented:

“We send our congratulations to President Maithripala Sirisena on his great achievement in winning the Presidential Election. At the same time we acknowledge the contribution made by his predecessor in defeating terrorism and injecting new life into the Sri Lankan economy.

Read more: Strong welcome from European Parliamentarians to new President of Sri Lanka