Kathmandu, August 22 Prime Minister Sushil Koirala has congratulated Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for the victory of his party, the United National Party, in the recently held parliamentary elections and his subsequent election to the post of Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. In his congratulatory message to the newly elected Prime Minister of Sri Lanka,Koirala today said, “I on behalf of the government and people of Nepal as well as on my own, extend my warmest congratulations to Your Excellency and the friendly people of Sri Lanka.” He also expressed his best wishes for the successful tenure and success in further strengthening the foundations of democratic institutions in the country. In his message Prime Minister Koirala states: “The people of Sri Lanka have, once again, reposed, faith in your able leadership to serve the country as Prime Minister. Your election to Parliament for the first time in 1977 at the age of 28 and your successive election victories thereafter leading to the assumption of the high office of Prime Minister for the fourth time, today, has indeed, been a remarkable part of your political career. This has proved your dynamic leadership as well as your substantial contribution to the politics and development of Sri Lanka. I am confident that the friendly people of Sri Lanka will continue to enjoy peace, stability and prosperity during your tenure.” Explaining the relationship embedded by friendship, goodwill, mutual understanding and cooperation between Nepal and Sri Lanka, PM Koirala mentions, “Socio-cultural values, traditions, mutual trust and strong bonds of affiliation bind the peoples of our two countries.” Prime Minister Koirala has expressed his desire to work closely with Prime Minister Wickremesinghe for further strengthening Nepal-Sri Lanka relations to the mutual benefit of both countries.