Sirisena thanks President Mukherjee for his message of felicitation

President Pranab Mukherjee has received a message from his Sri Lankan counterpart Maithripala Sirisena in response to the message of congratulations sent on his election.

"I deeply appreciate your message of felicitation on my election as the President of Sri Lanka," he said in his message to President Mukherjee.

The Sri Lankan President, who is scheduled to visit India for four days beginning on February 15 at the invitation of President Mukherjee, said both countries enjoy a deep and abiding relationship founded on ancient civilizational and cultural links, shared histories, close centuries-old people-to-people contact, complemented substantially by shared values of pluralism and democracy.

"I share very much your desire to further strengthen the excellent bilateral relations and look forward to earnestly work together to elevate our engagement to greater heights for the mutual benefit of our peoples," said Sirisena.

"Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration and best wishes for your continued good health and happiness and for the prosperity of the friendly people of India," he added.