SL elections represented hope for reconciliation, unity: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the recent presidential in elections in Sri Lanka, in which Maithripala Sirisena emerged as the winner, beating the incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa, reflected the voice of the people of the island nation, aspiring for reconciliation and unity.

"I am truly delighted to visit Sri Lanka-a land of beauty, culture and friendship. This Parliament represents one of Asia's oldest democracies and one of its most vibrant. I bring the greetings of 1.25 billion friends and millions of fans of Sri Lankan cricket. Today, we stand together as proud independent nations- sovereign and equal," Prime Minister Modi said, while addressing the Sri Lankan Parliament here.

"The recent elections in Sri Lanka have reflected the collective voice of the nation - the hope for change, reconciliation and unity," he added.

The Prime Minister further said that India has always placed importance on Sri Lanka.

"The future that I dream of India is also the future I wish for our neighbours. Sri Lanka's success is of great significance to us. As a friend, our good wishes, support and solidarity has always been with Sri Lanka," he said.

"We have been formed of the same elements and our histories are inter-connected. Today, we stand together as independent sovereign nations. Ours is a relation that is beautifully defined by the journey of Mahindra and Sanghamitta: they carried the message of peace and tolerance," he added.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight to be in Colombo and said that India is privileged to be Sri Lanka's development partner.

He also called for a long term solution to the fishermen issue, stating that it involves livelihood and humanitarian concerns on both sides.