Technoglitch
Core Member
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. Even as the island awaits the final results, Mr. Sirisena had polled nearly 53 per cent of votes in the morning, while the incumbent received about 47 per cent of the vote share pointing to an imminently decisive victory.
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.
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.
Sri Lanka election: Rajapaksa 'concedes defeat' - The Hindu
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.
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.
Sri Lanka election: Rajapaksa 'concedes defeat' - The Hindu
