President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, has congratulated CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda on his appointment as the new prime minister of Nepal.
In a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Prachanda this afternoon, the Sri Lankan president extended best wishes for his successful tenure, according to the prime minister's secretariat.
“Pleased to receive a phone call with warm words of congratulations and best wishes from H. E. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the President of Sri Lanka. Our views converged towards further strengthening Nepal-Sri Lanka friendly relations,” Prachanda’s Secretariat tweeted.
Prachanda was elected as the new Prime Minister of Nepal on December 25 with the support of 169 members of parliament (MPs) from seven political parties including three independent lawmakers.
President Bidya Bhandari administered oath of office and secrecy to Prachanda at Sheetal Niwas on Monday in accordance with Article 76 (2) of the constitution.
Currently, there are eight members in the Prachanda-led cabinet. The prime minister elected under this constitutional provision has to take the vote of confidence within 30 days of the appointment.
Prachanda is planning to expand the council of ministers only after taking the trust vote.
