Reacting to the outcome of the elections in Sri Lanka, President Mbeki has expressed his satisfaction with the way in which the elections have taken place after the regrettable violence of last weekend.
The President congratulated President Kumaratunga on her re-election and commended the people of Sri Lanka for the way in which they have exercised their democratic choice.
"The democratic election is a clear example of the triumph of democracy over violence", Mbeki said. President Mbeki also emphasised that democracy, human rights and tolerance for the views of opposition groups are fundamental building blocks in the development of a stable and prosperous country. " The elections in Sri Lanka should give hope to people in other countries aspiring to exercise their democratic rights in future", the President said.
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
Pretoria
23 DECEMBER 1999