Nov 08, Colombo: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa today congratulated the President of the United States Barack Obama on his re-election to the White House for a second term.

President Rajapaksa in his congratulatory message noted that Obama's victory in the keenly contested election underscores the wide acceptance of his commitment to change in important aspects of US policy, especially with regard to good relations with countries and regions of the world.

The incumbent U.S. President was reelected with a majority of electoral votes and popular votes at the 2012 election held Tuesday. Obama received 303 electoral votes and 50% of the popular against his challenger Mitt Romney who received 206 electoral votes and 48% popular votes.

"This success gives much promise of your continued good leadership on issues of importance relating to democracy, world peace and international relations in the coming years," President Rajapaksa said in his message.

Full text of the message:

November 07, 2012

His Excellency Barack Obama
President of the United States of America

Excellency,

I am greatly impressed by and warmly congratulate you on the success of your campaign for re-election as the President of the United States of America. This success gives much promise of your continued good leadership on issues of importance relating to democracy, world peace and international relations in the coming years.

Your victory in this keenly contested election reinforces the trust the American people placed in you in the landmark election that brought you to this high office in 2008. It underscores the wide acceptance of your commitment to change in important aspects of US policy, especially with regard to good relations with countries and regions of the world.

I extend to you my best wishes, and that of the people of Sri Lanka, in your second term of office which you will assume soon.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.

Mahindra Rajapaksa
President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka