Xi Jinping congratulates Sri Lanka's new president Ranil Wickremesinghe

Sri Lanka's new President Ranil Wickremesinghe and China's President Xi Jinping. Credit: Agency Photos

China's President Xi Jinping sent a message to Sri Lanka's new President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday congratulating him on his election victory, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Wickremesinghe, a lawyer who has served as Sri Lanka's prime minister a record six times, secured the presidency after winning a parliamentary vote on Wednesday in the face of fierce public opposition.