China congratulates Sri Lanka's new President, gives this reply to PM Modi's message

Leftist leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has won the Sri Lankan presidential election. After his victory, he is being congratulated from all over the world. Sri Lanka has been struggling with an economic crisis for the last several years, due to which the country had to face widespread protests in 2022. After his victory, the whole country is looking at him with the hope that he will take steps to improve the situation of the country in this time of crisis. After his victory, Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated the Sri Lankan President immediately after his swearing-in.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Anura Kumara Dissanayake immediately after his victory and India's Ambassador to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha met Dissanayake after the swearing-in. 56-year-old Dissanayake is commonly known as AKD. He became the ninth President of the country by defeating his nearest rival Sajith Premadasa. He is also the first Marxist leader of Sri Lanka and his statements show his inclination towards China.

Reply given on PM Modi's congratulations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Congratulating him on the occasion, PM Modi wrote, "Congratulations to Dissanayake on his victory in the Sri Lankan presidential election. Sri Lanka has a special place in India's Neighbourhood First policy and vision SAGAR. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region."

Replying to Prime Minister Modi's tweet, Anura Kumara Dissanayake wrote, "Prime Minister Modi, thank you for your words and support. I agree with your commitment to strengthening relations between our countries. Together we can work towards increasing cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region."

Both China and India have their eyes on Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is located to the south of India and is just 31 kilometers away from India. Sri Lanka is an important partner for India in terms of India's security in the Indian Ocean. In 2022, during Sri Lanka's economic-political crisis, India provided Sri Lanka with economic and humanitarian assistance of US $ 4.5 billion.

Sri Lanka's new president was initially inclined towards China, but after taking oath, he has shown positivity towards India. China also wants to increase its proximity with him, because China does not want to let go of any opportunity to surround India in this region.