Norway, Japan congratulate president Rajapaksa on re-election

Feb 2, 2010 2:41 PM · Norway and Japan have congratulated president Mahinda Rajapaksa on his re-election for a second term.

Norway's international development minister Erik Solheim, in a congratulatory message, said the clear result of the January 26 polls gave Mr. Rajapaksa a historic opportunity to lay the foundation for lasting peace.

"I hope president Rajapaksa will give priority to finding a political solution that is acceptable to all groups," he said.

"We intend to continue our cooperation with the government and people of Sri Lanka with a view to promoting lasting peace and development," said the Norwegian minister.

Although the election itself was relatively peaceful, Mr. Solheim said, he would urge the government to investigate allegations of unrest and violence in the run up to the election, as well as possible violations of the election law.

Norwegian prime minister Jens Stoltenberg has also sent a message of congratulation to Mr. Rajapaksa.

Meanwhile, Japanese foreign minister Katsuya Okada, in a statement, said Japan also strongly expects that, under the leadership of president Rajapaksa, the government of Sri Lanka will steadily and swiftly carry forward political processes for national reconciliation.

Reiterating his country's support for the Sri Lankan government's efforts to reach those expectations, Mr. Okada said Japan hopes the government of Sri Lanka will swiftly complete the resettlement of internally-displaced persons, which has made progress since last October, and that the people of Sri Lanka will unite to reconstruct the economy.

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rav said :	Why did they take so long to congratulate our honourable hora president. Count and see howmany countries did that and how many major countried didnt do that. Other people has eyes

Kevin, USA said :	Congratulations, 7 years of more of the same, nepotism, corruption, waste and murder. Sri lanka deserve this man cos those who voted for him approve these anti social behaviors.

swadheena said :	Keep praising the dictator of our motherland! So he can continue corruption, murder,and harassing innocent people. MR is shitting in his pants and arresting everyone in the opposition party. Soon all the jails will be full!