TEHRAN- The Iranian foreign minister has extended his congratulations to the government and citizens of Sri Lanka for successfully conducting presidential elections.

“Heartfelt congratulations to the people of Sri Lanka on the recent successful Presidential elections and to President @anuradisanayake on his victory,” Abbas Araqchi stated on his X account on Tuesday. 

Araqchi expressed confidence that the friendly and cooperative relations between Iran and Sri Lanka will continue to thrive under the new leadership.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a Marxist lawmaker, has emerged as the winner of Sri Lanka's presidential election, receiving 5,740,179 votes. His opponent, Premadasa, garnered 4,530,902 votes. 

Dissanayake's triumph signifies a shift in Sri Lanka's political landscape, as the nation has opted for a leader who champions working-class interests and challenges the established political elite.

His victory represents a notable transformation in the political dynamics of Sri Lanka, as his campaign, which focused on pro-working class and anti-elite themes, strongly appealed to younger voters. The election outcomes reflect a decisive repudiation of the existing order and a strong demand for change from the Sri Lankan populace.