China's Foreign Ministry applauded the peaceful and smooth parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka on Wednesday, offering congratulations on the results of the elections, China's state-run Xinhua said.

 

China believes that Sri Lanka will make greater achievements in economic, social development under the leadership of the new government, spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a statement.

 

The ruling United National Front (UNF), led by Ranil Wickremesinghe, secured a clean win over the opposition United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) in the parliamentary polls held in the island nation on Monday.

 

Hailing time-tested friendship between the two countries, Hua said that China is willing to enhance mutual beneficial cooperation with Sri Lanka to push forward bilateral strategic partnership.

 

Friendly China-Sri Lanka cooperation is a common demand from the two peoples, the spokesperson also said.

(With inputs from Xinhua)