Decoding the Sri Lankan Presidential elections

Sri Lankan commentators weigh in on the results of a historic Presidential election in which Maithripala Sirisena recorded a resounding victory.

With Maithripala Sirisena recording a resounding victory, we have a few commentators

> Sirisena's election an opportunity for a fresh foreign policy: Jayantha Dhanapala Sri Lanka can now return to its traditional non-aligned foreign policy maintaining friendly relations with its Asian neighbours, especially with India

> Sri Lanka presidential polls: democracy prevails Ahilan Kadirgamar writes: Given the democratic space that has emerged the citizenry should be vigilant; only the people’s lead and participation can set the country on the path of equality and justice.

> "Anti-Rajapaksa vote, not pro-Sirisena" The Tamil people are skeptical about Mr. Sirisena delivering on any of the key Tamil demand, says Kumaravadivel Guruparan.

> The road ahead for Maithripala Sirisena With Maithripala Sirisena's victory in the Sri Lanka Presidential elections, The Hindu's K. Venkatramanan takes a look at what lies ahead for the Presidential candidate.

> Reading the Sri Lankan vote Suhasini Haidar writes: It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the people of Sri Lanka, too, have shown exemplary courage with this election in which President Mahinda Rajapksa has been defeated, surprising many.

> New government must make human rights a priority, says Amnesty Sri Lanka’s new government must urgently address a legacy of pressing human rights issues left by the previous administration, Amnesty International said.

> The fall of Mahinda Dayan Jayatilleka writes: The Opposition outmaneuvered and outplayed Mahinda Rajapaksa and his camp. Its strategy was to win the vast majority of the minorities and a minority of the majority, by generating a split in the majority vote.