US hails Sri Lanka result, to work with Sirirsena

Washington, Jan 9: The US on Friday hailed the outcome of Sri Lanka's presidential election and said it looked forward to working with president-elect Maithripala Sirirsena.

"I look forward to working with Sirisena as his new government works to implement its campaign platform of a Sri Lanka that is peaceful, inclusive, democratic and prosperous," Secretary of State

said.

He said in a statement that the Sri Lankan people "deserve great credit on the successful conclusion of their elections.

"They turned out in great numbers to exercise their democratic rights, and every vote was a victory for Sri Lanka.

"I commend President (Mahinda) Rajapaksa for accepting the results of the election in the proud tradition of peaceful and orderly transfers of power in Sri Lanka.

"His words tonight about accepting the verdict of the people and moving forward are important," Kerry said.

IANS