UN chief urges Ranil to seize opportunity

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, has congratulated Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election and commended his message of good governance and national unity.

In a telephone conversation with Wickremesinghe, after he was sworn in today (21), the UN chief noted that the peaceful nature of the polls as well as high voter turn-out were in part a reflection of this message.

“The Secretary-General encouraged the Prime Minister and the national unity government to seize this opportunity to advance long-term peace for all Sri Lankans.”

“He wished him success in the important task that lay before him,” a UN statement said.

The Secretary-General also reiterated the United Nations commitment and support to the Sri Lankan people, the President, the Prime Minister and the new Government.