In a congratulatory message to the newly elected President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr Maithripala Sirisena, President James Michel extended his congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Seychelles.

President Michel remarked that the victory was testament to the confidence that the Sri Lankan people had placed in Mr Sirisena’s vision and wished him success in his mandate to take Sri Lanka forward.

“We look forwards to continuing the close ties of friendship and cooperation we have with your country as we further strengthen our multifaceted partnership to match the ambition and potential of our two countries, worthy of the strategic nature of relations as two nations sharing the same oceanic space,” said President Michel in his message.

President Michel expressed his confidence that Seychelles could continue to count on Sri Lanka’s support in exploring growth opportunities on a path towards sustainable development for both island nations.

In a separate message addressed to outgoing President Mahinda Rajapaksa, President Michel commended Mr Rajapaksa on his tenure as president and expressed his deepest appreciation for the pivotal role the President played developing the deep and substantive relationship enjoyed between the Republic of Seychelles and Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

President Michel described Mr Rajapaksa as a ‘true friend of Seychelles’ and remains deeply appreciative of the contribution that he and his Government made to fortify the bilateral ties between the two countries. “Our two countries boast a partnership that lives up to the expectations of our two peoples and which is a poignant example of what two island nations can accomplish together,” said President Michel.

President Michel wished Mr Rajapaksa success in his future endeavours and thanked him for the friendship he extended, which they would continue to share.