President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday congratulated Sri Lanka President-elect Maithiripala Sirisena on his poll victory.
Sirisena, who will later in the day take oath as the seventh President of Sri Lanka, beat the incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa after securing 51.28 percent of the votes cast.
The official twitter account of the Rashtrapati Bhavan shared President Mukherjee's message to Sirisena in a series of tweets.
"Congratulations and warm felicitations to Mr. Maithripala Sirisena on his election as President of Sri Lanka #PresidentMukherjee."
"Confident that in coming years, both countries will continue to work together to further strengthen bilateral relations #PresidentMukherjee."
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"Best wishes for success of endeavours for peace and development in Sri Lanka and for progress and prosperity of its people #PresidentMukherjee."
Sri Lanka elects its president at the national level. The president, who acts as the head of state, is elected for a six-year term by the people. Every adult Sri Lankan participates in this democratic process.
Rajapaksa, who had served two terms as the President and was seeking a record third consecutive term, earlier in the day conceded defeat to his challenger.
On Thursday, Sri Lankans voted in large numbers. The Election Commission in the island nation said that on an average there was an estimated more than 65-70 percent voting in most places.
In all, 19 candidates contested the elections, but the main fight was between Rajapaksa and Sirisena.
