Modi hails Sirisena, calls for ‘genuine reconciliation’

New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Sri Lanka’s president-elect Maithripala Sirisena on his "historic victory" and called for "genuine reconciliation" in the island nation.

In a letter to Sirisena, Modi said: "Your historic victory is a tribute to your vision for Sri Lanka (and) your capacity to connect with people’s yearning for change."

He said he looked forward to working with Sirisena and "to take our relationship to a new level for the benefit of our people and our region.

"I wish you all the success in building a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka, on foundations of genuine and effective reconciliation," he added.

The prime minister invited Sirisena to visit New Delhi and said he "looks forward to receiving him in India".