Sri Lanka’s President, Maithripala Sirisena has congratulated President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, following his decisive win in the September 23 election.

Solih’s spokeswoman, Mariya Ahmed Didi said that the Sri Lankan president had called and congratulated Solih on the election victory, adding that the people’s decision ‘is very clear’.

President Sirisena added that he looks forward to working closely with Solih’s government and further strengthen the bilateral ties between Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Sirisena’s Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has been officially invited to attend Solih’ oath-taking ceremony, which is to be held on November 17.

A number of international leaders have sent congratulatory messages since Solih’s victory over incumbent President Abdulla Yameen, who was vying for reelection.