Inclusiveness and pluralism reaffirmed

- President Rajapaksa to new Indian President

[Thursday, July 26, 2007 - 7.15 GMT]

Your election is also a reaffirmation of the noble values of inclusiveness and pluralism, which are the constant and firm foundation of modern India; values that the people of Sri Lanka too deeply cherish, states President
Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message of congratulations to Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, the new President of India who was sworn in yesterday (July 25).

The message adds: "It also gives me great pleasure to welcome your appointment as the first woman President of India following on the footsteps of a number of illustrious women leaders of this great democracy."

Here is the text of the message

H. E. Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil
President of the Republic of India

Excellency,

I write to convey my warmest best wishes to you on your assumption of duties as the President of India. It also gives me great pleasure to welcome your
appointment as the first woman President of India following on the footsteps of a number of illustrious women leaders of this great democracy.

You take over this highest constitutional responsibility of your country, at a time when India stands poised to commemorate sixty years of achievement as an independent nation. Your election with a decisive majority to the post of President is both a recognition of your long and distinguished public service, as well as a tribute to the important contribution made by a long
line of outstanding women to their country. It is also a reaffirmation of the noble values of inclusiveness and pluralism, which are the constant and firm foundation of modern India. These are values that the people of Sri
Lanka, who will be celebrating their sixtieth Anniversary of Independence next year, deeply cherish.

I am confident that during your tenure as President, the close and abiding ties between India and Sri Lanka which span centuries and which draw their inspiration from our common religious and cultural heritage will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Let me therefore, Excellency, avail myself of this opportunity to extend to you on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka and on my own
behalf, our best wishes for your continued success in the service of your nation.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

 
Mahinda Rajapaksa
 

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Last Updated Date: July 26, 2007 - 7.15 GMT