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UN chief applauds peaceful parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka

Xinhua, August 19, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Tuesday applauded the people of Sri Lanka for their peaceful and broad-based participation in the parliamentary elections.

On Monday, over 60 percent voters turned up to cast votes in Sri Lanka's parliamentary elections which look to elect a new prime minister and form a new government in the island nation.

Local election monitors said the polls ended peacefully and voter turnout was higher compared with previous elections.

Ban commended Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena for having shepherded an inclusive process to help guarantee the exercise of Sri Lankans' right to vote, said a statement released by Ban's spokesperson.

"The Secretary-General encourages the new Government to make further progress on good governance, accountability and reconciliation," said the statement.

"He looks forward to continuing to work with the President, the Prime Minister, the Government and the people of Sri Lanka in support of building long-term peace and prosperity for the country, " it added.

Sri Lanka's ruling United National Front (UNF) secured a clean win over the opposition United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) in the parliamentary polls.

According to final results released Tuesday, the UNF led by Ranil Wickremesinghe won 106 seats in the 225-member parliament, just seven seats short of gaining a majority.

However, members from the opposition Sri Lanka Freedom Party ( SLFP) loyal to President Maithripala Sirisena are expected to pledge their support to the UNF this week, which will give Wickremesinghe's party a clear majority in parliament. Endite