A united opposition, along with civil society organizations working in unison is vital to resolve the social and political issues facing Maldives says Sri Lanka's former President Chandrika Kumaratunga Bandaranayake.

In a statement released by the former President’s Office, Bandaranayake congratulated and welcomed the new coalition. The new coalition was formed by Maumoon faction of PPM, MDP, JP and AP on Friday.

In her statement, Bandaranayake noted the close relationships and the parallels between the two nations. She stressed that all stakeholders have to work jointly to address the issues face the nation.

The statement reads as follows:

“We, in Sri Lanka, welcome the Agreement arrived at by the Political Parities of two former Presidents, H.E. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and H.E. Mohamed Nasheed and two other Opposition Parties, to work together to ensure democratic Governance and the guarantee of civil and political rights to the citizens of the Maldives, to carry on a struggle for good Governance and to build a lasting peace in the country.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives have enjoyed an abiding and close relationship for many centuries.

I believe that our countries, afflicted by conflicted, need to build a united front of all Political and Civil Society groups in our struggle against poverty and ignorance and for a just and equitable society and honest and fair governance.

We have confidence that President Abdullah Yameen and the Government of the Republic of the Maldives will extend their fullest support to the enterprise of strengthening democracy, democratic institutions and fundamental freedoms in the Maldives.”

Following Bandaranayake’s statement, former President Mohamed Nasheed had thanked her for her engagement on the Maldives.