Published 16:13 IST, November 17th 2019
Sri Lanka: Gotabaya Rajapaksa wins seventh Presidential Elections
Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the Sri Lanka Presidential elections on November 17 marking the return of the family revered by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority
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Gotabaya Rajapaksa won the Sri Lanka Presidential elections on November 17 marking the return of the family revered by the Sinhalese Buddhist majority after the victory over Tamil Tiger rebels. The Rajapaksa spokesperson, Keheliya Rambukwella called its 'people's victory' and that the sound policies put across by Rajapaksa have been 'well received by the people' who led the counting by 50.7 per cent while his main rival, Sajith Premadasa had 43.8 per cent votes. Rajapaksa's party claimed the victory and asked the Sri Lankans to 'rejoice peacefully'.
As we usher in a new journey for Sri Lanka, we must remember that all Sri Lankans are part of this journey. Let us rejoice peacefully, with dignity and discipline in the same manner in which we campaigned. pic.twitter.com/tXqLrdH3Qv
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) November 17, 2019
'Privilege to honour decision'
Sajith Premadasa acknowledged their defeat and said it was 'his privilege to honour the decision made by people' and congratulated Rajapaksa to be the seventh President of Sri Lanka. Premadasa also said that it was 'most peaceful presidential election in the history of the history' of Sri Lanka. These independent elections took place 11 months after the fatal Easter Attacks which killed nearly 269 people and Rajapaksa campaigned on the platform of national security and had joined the race just days after the attacks. He had also pledged to appoint his brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka who was previously ousted in 2015 elections amidst the reports of nepotism and corrupt deals with China.
It is my privilege to honour the people's decision and congratulate Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election. I am grateful to our citizens who voted for me. I am humbled that you placed your faith in me. Your support has been a fountain of strength throughout my political career. pic.twitter.com/CGYy1NCth2
— Sajith Premadasa (@sajithpremadasa) November 17, 2019
To the military commanders
The seventh President of Sri Lanka had also pledged to pardon the military commanders in prison for violation of human rights during the war. This has also lead to the fear escalation of ethnic tensions of the Tamil struggle for an independent state under his administration. Rajapaksa has also served as a powerful secretary in the Ministry of Defense but has been accused of persecuting critics.
(With AP inputs)
12:30 IST, November 17th 2019