Gota to be sworn in tomorrow should he secure victory at Polls: Party source

SLPP Presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa will take oaths tomorrow (Nov 18) in the event of securing a victory at the upcoming election, Party sources said.

Sources at the Election Commission said that the first round of counting votes has ended.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) has claimed victory for its candidate Mr. Rajapaksa, and requested all party supporters to celebrate their success in a peaceful manner.

Dullas Alahapperuma, the SLPP candidate's spokesman in a statement called on supporters to avoid tarnishing the precedent set by Mr Rajapaksa in the political sphere.

He also thanked all individuals for pledging support to the SLPP candidate amidst many obstacles.

Meanwhile, United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) General Secretary Mahinda Amaraweera said that a 30-member cabinet will be appointed if Rajapaksa comes into power.

Amaraweera noted that cabinet portfolios will be given only to qualified individuals, and not to those who have allegedly been involved in corruption.

This he said would be done in keeping with the agreement signed by the Sri Lanka Freedom Party - a constituent party of the UPFA, with the SLPP.

(Reporting by Damith Wickramasekara)