India closely monitoring situation in Sri Lanka

 
India had no favourite in the Sri Lankan presidential elections. But New Delhi feels that re-election of Rajapaksa would ensure continuity in Colombo and would make it easier for India to pursue its immediate goals on the island nation.

India, according to sources, is likely to enhance the quantum of its aid for Sri Lanka, particularly for infrastructure development in the war-ravaged north and east.

Patil’s message
In her congratulatory message to Rajapaksa, President Patil assured him of India’s commitment to “further deepen” its relation with Sri Lanka. “We look forward to working with you towards this end for the mutual benefit of our people,” Patil stated in her message to Rajapaksa.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his message hoped that Sri Lanka would find lasting peace by which all communities could live with dignity and in harmony. Singh also hoped that the post-election scenario in Sri Lanka would be free from violence.