Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird welcomed Maithripala Sirisena as the new president of Sri Lanka, stating it would be an "important opportunity to resolve concerns regarding the devolution of power, accountability and genuine reconciliation".
“It is our hope that President Sirisena seizes his mandate from the people of Sri Lanka to foster a transparent, responsive and pluralistic government," Baird said, highlighting and commending the role of civil society during the election process.
"We wish to recognize the key role played by Sri Lankan civil society during the election process, noting that this was the first time that domestic observers were granted access to the counting centres."
“Canada also commends the critical role played by Sri Lanka’s Election Commissioner in creating the conditions for Sri Lankans to freely express their will."
See full statement here.
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