Canada looks to a new chapter

Canada is looking towards a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s history, one of prosperity and unity, following the election of Maithripala Sirisena as President.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird, who has been a strong critic of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, said that Canada hopes that President Sirisena seizes his mandate from the people of Sri Lanka to foster a transparent, responsive and pluralistic government.
“It will also be an important opportunity to resolve concerns regarding the devolution of power, accountability and genuine reconciliation,” he said.
John Baird said Canada congratulates the millions of Sri Lankans who went to the polls and peacefully exercised their democratic right to vote.
“We wish to recognise 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,” he said.
He said Canada also commends the critical role played by Sri Lanka’s Elections Commissioner in creating the conditions for Sri Lankans to freely express their will. (Colombo Gazette)