Integrity acknowledged by diplomats

Irangika RANGE and Sandasen MARASINGHE

Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said in Parliament yesterday that the integrity of the election was acknowledged by the Colombo-based diplomats of the European countries during his discussions with them yesterday.

Speaking during the Emergency debate, the Minister said that the same view was expressed by the British Foreign Secretary David Miliband during a telephone conversation with him yesterday.

While congratulating President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Government for the clear mandate received from the people, the British Foreign Secretary also took note of the fact that over 70 percent of the people had cast their vote including the people in the North and East. This situation reflected a vibrant democratic process.

He also expressed the hope that the upcoming Parliamentary election would be equally inclusive and democratic.