President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have congratulated the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister Boris Johnson who took office after winning the ruling Conservative Party’s leadership contest yesterday.
The President in his congratulatory message said that the new Prime Minister’s assumption of office comes at an important juncture for Britain and its relations with the Commonwealth of Nations.
“I have followed with interest the developments related to Brexit and the leadership contest in the Conservative Party. Your stated commitment to enhancing ties with countries of the Commonwealth will enable further strengthening of the strong cooperation and friendship that exists between the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka”, the President in his message said.
He added that the two countries continue to enjoy a close and special relationship based on historical affinities , shared values and people to people linkages
“I look forward to meeting you at the earliest opportunity and to working with you towards enhancing our mutual prosperity”, the message said.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in his congratulatory message to his British counterpart said that Sri Lanka remains committed to enhancing existing affinities and robust cooperation for our mutual benefit and prosperity. He said the United Kingdom and Sri Lana enjoy historical ties and cooperation in many spheres including the Commonwealth agenda. “The United Kingdom remains an important economic partner as Sri Lanka’s second largest export market and the third biggest source of origin for inbound tourism. I am confident that these ties would be further strengthened and deepened under your astute leadership.
(Daily News)