According to official release, Gotabaya Rajapaksa has won the Sri Lankan presidential elections with 52.25 per cent votes.
He is Sri Lanka’s former wartime defence chief who played a significant role in ending the long-running civil war in 2009.
10 years ago, Rajapaksa had served as military chief under his brother and then president Mahinda Rajapaksa. He played a significant role in the military defeat of Tamil separatists in Sri Lanka in 2009. Significantly, he has promised strong leadership to secure the island of 22 million people, the majority of whom are Sinhalese Buddhists.
According to election commission’s reports, Rajapaksa’s party claimed victory. From Saturday’s count, Rajapaksa led with 50.7%. On the other hand, his rival Sajith Premadasa secured 43.8%.
claimed victory. From Saturday’s count, Rajapaksa led with 50.7%. On the other hand, his rival Sajith Premadasa secured 43.8%.
Premadasa conceded defeat and was criticised heavily by the locals as he failed to protect them Lankans against suicide bombings in April. Importantly, he is a housing minister in the current government.
Premadasa in a statement said, “At the conclusion of a hard-fought and spirited election campaign, it is my privilege to honour the decision of the people. Moreover, he also “congratulates Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election as the seventh President of Sri Lanka.”
His victory margin symbolises huge support from the Sinhala community which is prominent especially in the Southern part of Sri Lanka. On the contrary, Pramadasa’s campaign was weaved around policies to help the poor. Notably, he generated huge support from the north and east where minority Tamils are predominant.
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