Indian President Pratibha Patil has congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa and assured him India’s commitment to further deepen mutual relations with Sri Lanka.

The Indian President in her message of congratulations said:

“Please accept my heartiest congratulations on your electoral victory. I am confident that under your continued leadership, Sri Lanka will attain greater heights and find lasting peace.

“India and Sri Lanka share historically close and friendly relations. I wish to assure you of India’s commitment to further deepen our relations with Sri Lanka. We look forward to working with you towards this end, for the mutual benefit of our two peoples. “Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your success in your new tenure as President of Sri Lanka and for the continued well being and prosperity of the people of Sri Lanka.”

The United States yesterday congratulated Sri Lanka for the first nationwide election in decades and President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his victory.

“We look forward to continuing the partnership between our two countries and working with the Government and the people to support a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka,” a press release from the Embassy of the United States of America, Colombo said.

The release added: “We note that the turnout was large in most areas of the country and election day was peaceful in most locations.

We also note, however, some reports of possible violations of election law during the campaign, voting, and counting, and we urge a thorough investigation of these allegations in accordance with the Sri Lankan law and in keeping with the democratic traditions of the country. In addition, we urge the authorities to ensure the safety and security of all candidates and campaign workers.”