The European Union (EU) says the large turn out at the recent Presidential elections in Sri Lanka demonstrates the wish of the Sri Lankan people to participate fully in the democratic process.

EU High Representative/ Vice President Baroness Catherine Ashton, in a statement, however reiterated concerns that a significant number of incidents occurred during the election campaign.

"The EU welcomes that the Presidential Elections in Sri Lanka, the first election of this kind for many years, took place in an overall peaceful environment. The large turn out demonstrates the wish of the Sri Lankan people to participate fully in the democratic process. The EU congratulates President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his re-election and stands ready to work with him and his Government in support of his objective of bringing sustainable peace to all people in Sri Lanka and actively engaging in an inclusive process of national reconciliation,” she said.

“The EU reiterates its concern that a significant number of incidents occurred during the election campaign. It trusts that the irregularities reported by election observers and the election commission will be duly investigated and that the safety and security of all candidates and campaign workers will be ensured by the authorities,” Baroness Catherine Ashton added.

The statement said that the EU looks forward to continuing and reinforcing its cooperation with Sri Lanka, with a view to consolidating the relationship on the basis of shared values and common interests.