Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa conceded defeat, said his official media unit on Friday, following clear signs of his opponent Maithripala Sirisena’s victory in the presidential elections. Mr. Sirisena polled 51.28 per cent of total votes, while Mr. Rajapaksa secured 47.58 per cent of the total votes polled.
Following what may be Sri Lanka’s watershed election, Mr. Rajapaksa vacated Temple Trees, his official residence in Colombo’s sea-facing Galle Road early Friday. He assured Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe of a smooth transition in an early morning meeting at the President’s home. “President had talks with the main opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and conveyed his wish to let the new President take over without any hindrance”, a statement from Mr. Rajapaksa’s office said.
Party | Votes | Percentage |
---|---|---|
NDF (Maithripal Sirisena) | 6,217,162 | 51.28% |
UPFA (Mahinda Rajapaksa) | 5,768,090 | 47.58% |
Other | 138,201 | 1.14% |
Watch video: Mahinda Rajapaksa concedes defeat in Sri Lanka's presidential election
Mahinda Rajapaksa tweeted:
Thank you to all the thousands of Sri Lankans who supported me. -MR
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) >January 9, 2015
I value and respect our democratic process and the people’s verdict, and look forward to the peaceful transition of power. -MR
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) >January 9, 2015
Maithripala Sirisena will be sworn in as Sri Lanka's new president on Friday, an opposition spokesman said. "The swearing in will be at 6:00 pm today (January 9) at Independence Square" in Colombo, spokesman Saman Athaudahetti.
While sections in Sri Lanka hoped for this election outcome, his defeat was least expected even two months ago. Mr. Rajapaksa called snap polls in November, two years ahead of schedule, targeting a record third term in office.
Hailed for his efforts in crushing the rebel Tigers and brining Sri Lanka’s brutal war to an end, Mr. Rajapaksa was widely perceived as an invincible leader for most part of his two successive terms, until sections began getting disenchanted over his family’s alleged dominance, allegations of corruption and growing authoritarianism.
> Also read: All you need to know about Maithripala Sirisena
The Tamil and Muslim minorities, too, reportedly grew disillusioned of the President. A series of anti-Muslim attacks in the last couple of years carried out by groups with alleged state patronage further alienated the Muslims. That also explains the high percentage of anti-Rajapaksa votes polled in the island’s Muslim-dominated Eastern Province, going by emerging polls trends.
Modi greets Sirisena
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Maithripala Sirisena to congratulate him. He congratulated the people of Sri Lanka on the peaceful and democratic poll process.
“India is a close friend and neighbour of Sri Lanka,” said Mr. Modi, reaffirming India’s continued solidarity and support for Sri Lanka’s peace, development and prosperity.
"Let's move towards a compassionate Maithree era," Mr. Sirisena posted on his website
According to local media reports, a huge voter turnout, said to be nearly 80 per cent, was reported in Hambantota and Matara in southern Sri Lanka, where incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa enjoys a strong support base. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, where his principal challenger Maithripala Sirisena is hugely popular, saw a similarly high voter-presence at polling booths.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Pre-election analysis: Rajapaksa's waning influence
Sirisena: Views & Pledges
- › Colombo opposition takes anti-China stand >Read more
- › Sirisena for equal ties with India, says his policy will take into consideration the diversity of India >Read more
- › Sirisena pledges war crime inquiry, said Sri Lanka has not ratified the statute that established the international court, and that he would institute an investigation by a local independent court >Read more
- › Sirisena opposes proposal from Tamil leaders for a federal model granting greater autonomy to Provinces to solve the country’s decades-long ethnic conflict >Read more
- › Sirisena said he would not withdraw troops from the island’s Tamil-majority north, as national security would be of top priority to him “as President”. >Read more
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