Several foreign diplomats have reiterated their country’s commitment to Sri Lanka following the election of Ranil Wickremesinghe as the 8th Executive President of Sri Lanka.
US Ambassador Julie Chung said, “ We look forward to working with new President Ranil Wickremesinghe”.
In these challenging times, it will be essential for all parties to redouble efforts to work together to tackle the economic crisis, uphold democracy and accountability, and build a stable and secure future for all Sri Lankans, she added.
The Indian High Commission in Colombo said the Parliament of Sri Lanka, in the exercise of the provisions of the Sri Lankan Constitution, has today elected Ranil Wickremesinghe as the President of Sri Lanka.
“As a close friend and neighbour of Sri Lanka and a fellow democracy, we will continue to be supportive of the quest of the people of Sri Lanka for stability and economic recovery, through democratic means and values, established democratic institutions, and constitutional framework,” the Indian High Commission further said.
British High Commissioner Sarah Hulton said the United Kingdom (UK) looks forward to working with the new government led by Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe, as it works to meet the needs of all Sri Lankans, including calls for political & economic reforms.
“We urge all parties to protect democratic and inclusive governance, including the right to peaceful protest,” she added.
The Candian High Commission in Colombo said Canada takes note of the parliamentary election of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in keeping with Sri Lanka’s Constitution.
We encourage efforts toward urgent political and economic reforms to alleviate the hardships faced by the peoples of the island. We strongly encourage the Sri Lankan government to promote and respect democracy and human rights as it works to address this crisis, the High Commission further said.
The Australian High Commission in Colombo said Ranil Wickremesinghe has been elected as Sri Lanka’s President through a democratic, constitutional process.
Australia now encourages the new government to work toward long-term economic stability, including with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Australia will continue to support the people of Sri Lanka, it added.
Michael Appleton, the New Zealand High Commissioner for Sri Lanka said Sri Lanka’s Parliament has chosen Ranil Wickremesinghe to be the country’s 9th President.
This is the first step in a political transition, which will include the appointment of a new Prime Minister and Cabinet. New Zealand looks forward to the formation of an inclusive government, in line with the will of Parliament and the Sri Lankan people.
Sri Lankans continue to face considerable hardship as a result of the economic crisis. There is an urgent need for an agreement to be reached with the IMF, and for corresponding economic reforms to be implemented. New Zealand will continue to work, alongside international partners, to help Sri Lankans during this very challenging time, he added. (NewsWire)