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Rajapaksa hails Pratibha’s election

COLOMBO: Characterising the election of Pratibha Patil as the new President of India as a “reaffirmation of the noble values of inclusiveness and pluralism,” Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa had said that people of his country cherished the same vales.

In a message of felicitation to Ms. Patil, the Sri Lanka President said he was confident that during her tenure as President, the “close and abiding ties between India and Sri Lanka which span centuries and which draw their inspiration from our common religious and cultural heritage” would continue to grow from strength to strength.

Mr. Rajapaksa said that Ms. Patil was taking over the highest constitutional responsibility of “your country, at a time when India stands poised to commemorate sixty years of achievement as an independent nation.”

“Your election with a decisive majority to the post of President is both the recognition of your long and distinguished public service, as well as a tribute to the important contribution made by a long line of outstanding women to their country.”

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