Following yesterday's announcement of Shri Pranab Mukherjee's victory at the Indian Presidential election, President Mahinda Rajapaksa today sent a bouquet of flowers to the President- elect as a manifestation of his long standing friendship with Mukherjee and in appreciation of his contribution to promote India- Sri Lanka relations.

The former Indian Finance Minister won the Presidential election with 69.31 per cent of votes.

Mukherjee, a veteran of the ruling Congress Party has headed several top government ministries during his career, including the foreign, home, defence and trade ministries.

He will be administered the oath of office as the 13th President by the Chief Justice of India on July 25 in the Central Hall of Parliament, taking over from Pratibha Patil, India's first woman President.

Affectionately called "dada", Mukherjee will be the first leader from West Bengal to occupy the top Constitutional post.