Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his victory in the presidential election. “I look forward to working closely with you for deepening the close and fraternal ties between our two countries and citizens, and for peace, prosperity, as well as security in our region,” Modi tweeted. In a reply tweet, Gotabaya Rajapaksa also thanked Modi and the people of India for his warm wishes, stating: “Our two nations are bound by history and common beliefs, and I look forward to strengthening our friendship and meeting you in the near future.” Meanwhile, in a statement, the Pakistan Government and its leader also felicitated Rajapaksa. “Pakistan appreciates the conduct of a free, fair, and peaceful election by the Election Commission and the Government of Sri Lanka. The leadership of Pakistan looks forward to working with the new President and his team to further strengthen the already strong relationship between the two countries. The Government of Pakistan expresses the resolve to further fortify the fraternal ties and to take this vital partnership to a new level,” the statement said.