Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

“I am convinced that the followers of the various religious traditions have an essential role to play in the delicate process of reconciliation and rebuilding which is taking place in this country”, said His Holiness Pope Francis speaking at the Bandaranaike International Airport upon his arrival, today (13).

“For that process to succeed all members of society must work together; all must have a voice”, he further said.

He said that the process of healing also needs to include the pursuit of truth, not for the sake of opening old wounds, but rather as a necessary means of promoting justice, healing and unity.

Full text of the speech by His Holiness Pope Francis:

Read more: For reconciliation & rebuilding process to succeed all must work together- Pope

The quick and smooth transition of power in Sri Lanka indicates a basic level of political stability, which could bolster foreign investor confidence, the global rating agency, Fitch Ratings said today.

The orderly conduct during Sri Lanka's presidential election, and the peaceful handover of power to newly elected opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena on 9 January, is a positive signal for political stability, says Fitch Ratings.

Read more: Smooth transition of power in Sri Lanka could boost investor confidence - Fitch

The good governance that is the hope and great expectation of everyone could be realized by the political leadership and the public service working in an exemplary manner, in carrying out all their responsibilities, said President Maithripala Sirisena when he began his duties at the Presidential Secretariat today (12).

Addressing political leaders, senior public servants and employees of the Presidential Secretariat, he said it was the responsibility of everyone to ensure the functioning of an enlightened and understanding public service in the country. His aim was to establish and ensure a public service that would not become the tools of those who come to power from time to time, but would be an institution of long term genuine service to the country and people.

Read more: Political Leadership and Public Service should set an example to country – President

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir V. Putin and Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe have congratulated President Maithripala Sirisena on his assumption as the President of Sri Lanka.

Russia:

Russian President congratulates President of the Russian Federation Vladimir V. Putin in a congratulatory message to President Maithripala Sirisena said he highly appreciates friendly and constructive relations between Russia and Sri Lanka and he would like to reaffirm the readiness for further strengthening of fruitful bilateral cooperation in various areas.

Read more: Russia and Japan congratulate President Sirisena

President Maithripala Sirisena invited all political parties represented in the parliament to join him to form a national unity government.

Addressing the nation in Kandy Sunday, the President said he intends to obtain the support of all political parties to establish a country with good governance, democracy and rule of law for the future of the people and the country.

The President, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and other political leaders on the way to Kandy stopped at the Bandaranaike monument in Horagolla to pay respects to the late Prime Minister and founder of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike.

Read more: President invites all political parties to form a national government

The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has congratulated new President Maithripala Sirisena on his assumption of office as the President of Sri Lanka.

In his message to President Sirisena, the President Mukherjee has said, "Please accept my congratulations and warm felicitations on your assumption of office as the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka."

"India and Sri Lanka as neighbors with civilizational ties sharing a common history, cultural heritage, interests and values, have long enjoyed a tradition of close friendship and cooperation," Indian President recalled.

Read more: Indian President congratulates new President

The Government of Pakistan felicitated the newly elected President Maithripala Sirisena on his election victory and installation as the sixth executive President.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in his felicitation message congratulated Maithripala Sirisena on his election as President of Sri Lanka and expressed the hope that the relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would continue to prosper during his term in the office.

Read more: Pakistan expresses solidarity with newly elected Government