President Muizzu congratulates President-elect of Sri Lanka

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended congratulations to Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President-elect of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, following his victory in the Presidential Elections held in Sri Lanka on Saturday.

In a post shared on the social media platform X, President Dr Muizzu expressed his hope of working together to further strengthen the historic relationship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. President Dr Muizzu, while noting the remarkable victory, also conveyed his best wishes for success in the new role of the President-elect Dissanayake.

This election is the first since Sri Lanka plunged into major economic crisis. Anura, 55, secured his win on a National People's Power (NPP) coalition ticket by securing over 55.89 percent of the votes.

The strongest candidates in the presidential election were from politically strong families. However, despite being a less popular candidate in the past, he gained sudden popularity this time with his strong campaign rhetoric against corruption and promises to improve the welfare of the poor.

He is opposed to the major changes brought about by the country to seek International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s assistance, and has said that if he were to come on to power, he would reduce taxes and make life easier for the people.