Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Gotabaya Rajapaksa for winning Sri Lanka's Presidential election

"Congratulations Gotabaya Rajapaksa on your victory in the Presidential elections. I look forward to working closely with you for deepening the close and fraternal ties between our two countries and citizens, and for peace, prosperity as well as security in our region," PM Modi tweeted.

PM Modi had been the first world leader to visit Sri Lanka after serial blasts hit the country on Easter, killing over 250 people. The Prime Minister also visited one of the churches targetted in the terrorist attack.

"I also congratulate the people of Sri Lanka for the successful conduct of the elections," he added.

Thanking PM Modi for his wishes, Mr Rajaspaska tweeted," I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for your warm wishes. Our two nations are bound by history and common beliefs and I look forward to strengthening our friendship and meeting you in the near future." 

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is the younger brother of the former Sri Lankan president M Rajapaksa, polled more than 50 per cent of the votes in the election, media reports said.

Reports said that  Rajapaksa's main rival Sajith Premadasa, son of former president Ranasinghe Premadasa, has conceded his defeat.

He has stepped down from this housing minister post. 

Taking to social networking site, Twitter, Mr Premadasa wrote, "It is my privilege to honour the people's decision and congratulate Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election. I am grateful to our citizens who voted for me."