China Premier, Xi Jinping, and Russian President, Vladimir Putin, were amongst the first world leaders to congratulate Ranil Wickremesinghe for his appointment as Sri Lanka’s President.
The statements follow tense exchanges with western diplomats critical of his brutal suppression of protesters, which saw the military attack demonstrators, injuring at least 50.
Read more here: 'Read your own history' - Ranil Wickremesinghe berates diplomats over critical coverage
President’s Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter read:
“I attach great importance to the development of China-Sri Lanka relations, and am willing to provide support and assistance to the best of my ability for you and the Sri Lankan people in your efforts,”
This morning, Wickremesinghe met with Russia’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Yury Materiy, where the ambassador relayed President Putin’s support.
The Russian President’s message reads:
“Please accept sincere congratulations on the occasion of your election as President.
The Russian-Sri Lankan relations are of traditionally friendly nature. I am counting on your activities as Head of State to foster further development of the constructive bilateral cooperation in various spheres for the benefit of our peoples and in the interest of strengthening the regional stability and security.
I wish you every success as well as good health and prosperity.”
