Colombo (News 1st): The U.S. Embassy making an announcement today (November 18), congratulated on the democratically held presidential election of Sri Lanka and expressed their hope of working with President-elect Gotabaya Rajapaksa in the future.

In their announcement, the Embassy says Sri Lanka has continued to show the strength and the resilience of its republic with a free, fair, and transparent presidential election, befitting Asia’s oldest democracy.

The announcement further says they hold the National Elections Commission, the civil society and the State Officials in high honour for promoting a peaceful election.

The U.S. Embassy highlights their preparedness to work with the newly elected President and the general public to support the country’s sovereignty through good governance, economic growth, the advancement of human rights and reconciliation, and in fostering an Indo-Pacific region where all countries can prosper.

• Police attack peaceful protesters in Colombo protesting government’s lavish Independence Day gala
• Police use tear gas, water canons on peaceful protesters in central Colombo
• Two PUCSL members submit resignation letters to the President
• CEB takes back assurance on suspending power cuts
• Galle Face & surrounding areas out of bounds until end of Independence Day