India hails end of political impasse in Sri Lanka

India hails end of political impasse in Sri Lanka

Ranil Wickremesinghe. (File Photo: IANS)

New Delhi, Dec 16 (IANS) India on Sunday welcomed the end of political impasse in Sri Lanka with Ranil Wickremesinghe being sworn in again as Prime Minister of the island nation.

"As a close neighbour and true friend, India welcomes the resolution of the political situation in Sri Lanka," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in response to media queries.

"This is a reflection of the maturity demonstrated by all political forces, and also of the resilience of Sri Lankan democracy and its institutions.

"India remains committed to taking forward its people oriented development projects in Sri Lanka. We are confident that India-Sri Lanka relations will continue to move on an upward trajectory," he added.

Wickremesinghe, sacked from the post in October, was sworn in again on Sunday by President Maithripala Sirisena, a move that ended a nearly two-month political impasse that erupted after his surprising dismissal.

Wickremesinghe, leader of the United National Party (UNP), took his oath of office at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo as hundreds of supporters massed outside. A new cabinet under Sirisena and Wickremesinghe is expected to be sworn in on Monday.

UNP lawmakers told the media that Wickremesinghe's appointment "had restored democracy in the country and the new government would now work towards strengthening the economy and unveiling new proposals".

Sunday's move comes after Mahinda Rajapakse resigned on Saturday as Prime Minister, seven weeks after he was appointed by Sirisena following Wickremesinghe's dismissal on October 26.

--IANS

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