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UN chief welcomes constitutional transfer of power in Sri Lanka

Xinhua, January 10, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Friday congratulated Sri Lanka on conclusion of the presidential election and welcomed the constitutional transfer of power.

"The Secretary-General looks forward to working with President Maithripala Sirisena and the people of Sri Lanka," Deputy UN Spokesman Farhan Haq read a statement at the daily briefing.

Ban commended the efforts of the candidates, including in particular outgoing President Mahinda Rajapaksa, law enforcement agencies and civil society for upholding and respecting democratic governance, while affirming the continuous support of the United Nations for development, reconciliation, political dialogue and accountability in Sri Lanka, Haq said.

Maithripala Sirisena, a former health minister, defeated Rajapaksa in Thursday's presidential election in Sri Lanka. He will be sworn in Friday night. Endite