President Mahinda Rajapaksa has sent a congratulatory letter to the new Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro Moros.

“Your victory is a manifestation of the trust and confidence you enjoy among the people of Venezuela,” President Rajapaksa said in his letter. “I have no doubt that the wealth of experience gained from your long and distinguished political career will help you steer Venezuela towards continued prosperity.”

President Rajapaksa also noted that bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Venezuela were “greatly enhanced” during the tenure of the late President Hugo Chavez and that he looks forward to working closely with President Moros to further strengthen relations between the two countries.