Hope Maithripala Sirisena's win will advance peace, development in Sri Lanka: Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that he hoped that the poll victory of President Maithripala Sirisena will advance peace, reconciliation and development in Sri Lanka and pledged India’s continued support to the close neighbour and “friend”. [caption id=“attachment_2053847” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] PM Narendra Modi welcomed Maithripala Sirisena’s victory in Sri Lankan polls. Reuters[/caption] Modi, during a meeting with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera in New Delhi, described Sirisena’s victory as a “vote for unity and change” as he expressed his admiration for its leadership’s vision of a “truly Sri Lankan government”, inclusive of all voices. He also appreciated the initial steps taken by the new government in Sri Lanka for political reconciliation, inclusiveness and participation, a PMO statement said. “Even a few steps can clearly indicate one’s direction,” Modi observed during the meeting. Describing Sri Lanka as a truly close neighbour and “friend”, the Prime Minister offered India’s continued support and partnership to its government and people in realising their aspirations. Describing Sirisena’s “impressive” electoral victory as a “vote for unity and change in Sri Lanka,” Modi lauded the people of Sri Lanka for the successful conclusion of elections, which had been watched with great regional and international interest. He expressed the hope that “Sirisena’s victory will advance peace, reconciliation and development in Sri Lanka, and peace and progress in our region,” the statement said. Modi thanked Sirisena for accepting his invitation to visit India and said he looked forward to receiving him at an early date. He also accepted the invitation to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient date. Modi had reached out to Sirisena soon after his poll win on 9 January when he called him up, congratulating him on his electoral victory and saying he looked forward to working with him to take the bilateral ties to a new level. PTI