Your victory is indeed a tribute to the continuing confidence of the Sri Lankan people in your leadership, states the Commonwealth Secretary- General in his messages of congratulations to President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his re-election as President of Sri Lanka.

Secretary- General Kamalesh Sharma emphasized the importance of the Commonwealth’s partnership with Sri Lanka and pointed out the organization is moving towards holding the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka.

"The Commonwealth very much values its partnership with Sri Lanka and looks forward to continuing to work in the closest collaboration, particularly as we move towards CHOGM in Sri Lanka", he said.

The Commonwealth Secretary - General appreciated all assistance and support given by the Government to the Commonwealth Expert Team (CET), led by former Jamaican Foreign Minister K D Knight, observed the Presidential Election in Sri Lanka.

The Report of the CET speaks positively on the voting process on the day of the election, reflecting that the Commissioner for Election and his staff across the country expended great effort to put in place procedures to ensure Sri Lankans were able to cast their ballots.

The Secretary - General said as a friend and partner the Commonwealth is ready and willing to assist Sri Lanka for further improvement of the electoral process in Sri Lanka.

He also stated that Commonwealth election observers act in an independent capacity and do not reflect the views of the Secretary- General or any member government.

Finally he stated that the outcome of the forthcoming Parliamentary elections will further reinforce harmony under the President Mahinda Rajapaksa's leadership to the benefit and advancement of all citizens of Sri Lanka.