US congratulates Sri Lanka for holding peaceful poll amidst coronavirus

COLOMBO (News1st): The US has congratulated Sri Lanka for conducting its twice-delayed parliamentary election in a peaceful and orderly manner amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna -- in which the President and Prime Minister are members -- was declared winners of Wednesday's poll, as they secured 145 slots in the 225-seat legislature. The US Embassy, in a statement on Friday, said it looks forward to partnering with the government and the new Parliament, that is set to convene on August 20. "We hope the government will renew its commitments to building an inclusive economic recovery, upholding human rights and the rule of law, and protecting the country’s sovereignty," the statement read. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated his counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa on the election victory on Thursday evening, as President Gotabaya Rajapaksa declared victory. Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih and Vice President Faisal Naseem were also among the state leaders who congratulated the Prime Minister who led the SLPP to victory.