US Focuses on Strengthening Ties with Sri Lanka, Congratulates Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Election Win

New York, September 23 : 
Following his victory in the presidential elections, Anura Kumara Dissanayake of Sri Lanka was congratulated by the United States. "As it builds a stable, prosperous, and cohesive society," US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement Sunday, describing the election as a "testament to the strength of Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions."

Following the confirmation of his victory in the Sri Lankan presidential election by the results on the 22nd of September, the United States extends its congratulations to President-elect Anura Kumara Dissanayake. We applaud Sri Lankans for using their right to vote in a nonviolent manner. The result of this election shows how strong Sri Lanka's democratic institutions are and how determined the people are to shape their future in a democratic and peaceful way, the statement said.

The United States will continue to back Sri Lanka's efforts to create a wealthy, united, and stable society. On the basis of mutual respect for national sovereignty and democratic principles, we are eager to collaborate with President-elect Anura Kumara Dissanayake to further solidify our bilateral relations. Additionally, we are excited about the prospect of fostering economic development, security, and stronger collaboration among our countries," it stated.

A 55-year-old man named Anura Kumara Dissanayake was proclaimed the victor of Sunday's election. He heads the left-wing Janatha Vimukthi Peremuna party. After Sri Lanka's first-ever presidential election run-off, he defeated Sajith Premadasa and will become the country's ninth executive president, according to the Daily Mirror.

The statement was issued by the election commission following the first-ever second count of votes in the country. As reported by Al Jazeera, the incumbent president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was eliminated after coming in third place in the first round.

Ranil Wickremesinghe stood for president for a third time on Saturday, but he was unsuccessful each time. In 1999 and 2005, he ran for the position of senior executive again.