President Ranil Wickremesinghe has accepted Indian Prime Minister elect Narendra Modi’s invitation to attend his swearing-in.
The ceremony is to take place on 08 June.
The invitation was extended during a phone call by Wickremesinghe to congratulate Modi on his victory in the recent national polls.
Modi thanked Wickremesinghe for his warm wishes, the Indian Prime Minister’s office said.
He conveyed India’s continued commitment to building stronger ties between India and Sri Lanka, in keeping with India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and SAGAR vision.
The two leaders also noted the significant progress that has taken place in implementing the Vision Document issued during the visit of Wickremesinghe to New Delhi in July 2023.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to accelerating progress in enhancing connectivity in all its dimensions to catalyze mutual growth, development, and prosperity.
Meanwhile, Modi has thanked world leaders for their congratulatory messages on securing a victory in the 18th Lok Sabha Elections held in India, said pib.gov.in.
Modi replied to the messages by world leaders on the social media platform ‘X’.
In response to a post by Sri Lankan president Wickremesinghe, he said: “Thank you, Mr Ranil Wickremesinghe. I look forward to our continued cooperation on the India-Sri Lanka Economic Partnership.”
Wickremesinghe said in his congratulatory message, “I extend my warmest felicitations to the @BJP4India led NDA on its victory, demonstrating the confidence of the Indian people in the progress and prosperity under the leadership of PM @narendramodi. As the closest neighbour Sri Lanka looks forward to further strengthening the partnership with India.”
In response to a post by ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa, Modi said: “Thank you for your wishes, my friend Mahinda Rajapaksa. As the India-Sri Lanka partnership charts new frontiers, look forward to your continued support.”
In his congratulatory message, Rajapaksa said: “My heartiest congratulations to my friend @narendramodi ji on securing a third term following BJP's victory in India. The people have spoken, acknowledging his vision & dedication to serving India. I look forward to furthering our ties with the new government.”
In response to a post by opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, he said: “Thank you Sajith Premadasa for your warm wishes! Our relations with Sri Lanka are special and uniquely fraternal. We are committed to further strengthen our unbreakable bonds in keeping with our neighbourhood first policy!”
Congratulating Modi, Premadasa said: “Congratulations to PM @narendramodi ji and NDA on a historic win. We look forward to being inspired by a new chapter of big decisions for India and another chapter of India’s “Neighborhood First Policy.”
In response to a post by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Modi said: “Thank you Mr Sarath Fonseka. Our ties with Sri Lanka are special. We will continue to work with the people of Sri Lanka to further deepen and strengthen it.”
Fonseka said in his message: “I extend my warmest wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi @narendramodi on his victory. The @BJP4India led NDA alliance has proved that people will continue to have faith in leaders that deliver results.”
