Full text below:

It is with great pleasure that I write to congratulate you on being appointed as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Your unanimous election to this high office, at a time when the world and the UN itself face a multitude of challenges, reflects the trust placed in you by the Member States of the UN.  

I am confident that the vast experience and knowledge you bring to your new office, through the service to your nation as Prime Minister of Portugal and to the world at large as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, over a period of nearly two decades, will greatly benefit the United Nations and the international community.

Sri Lanka has a long-standing partnership with the UN, even prior to obtaining membership in 1955. The National Unity Government of Sri Lanka has over the past one-and-a-half years renewed and restored Sri Lanka’s engagement with the United Nations in a meaningful direction. As the Government and the people of Sri Lanka make the historic journey to achieve sustainable peace, reconciliation and development, we look forward to the continued support and assistance of the UN, under your able leadership.

While wishing Your Excellency every success in your new role, I take this opportunity to assure you of Sri Lanka’s support and cooperation and reaffirm our commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Mangala Samaraweera