WASHINGTON, DC—Representative Eliot L. Engel, the leading Democrat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, this evening made the following statement regarding the presidential election in Sri Lanka:

“I congratulate Maithripala Sirisena on his election as President of Sri Lanka, and also current President Mahinda Rajapakse for his hard-fought campaign. This campaign and the election’s outcome are the newest chapters in Sri Lanka's long and proud democratic tradition.

“I wish President-elect Sirisena all the best in the weeks and months ahead as he tries to address the country’s many challenges and ensure a better future for all Sri Lankans. In particular, I hope this President can give the issue of national reconciliation the real attention it deserves.

“Sirisena’s victory makes clear that many Sri Lankans have grown concerned by the direction Sri Lanka has taken. I look forward to working with President Sirisena and his government to right the course, and help advance the U.S.-Sri Lanka relationship.”

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