Gotabaya declared winner of Presidential election ; will take oaths tomorrow

Sri Lanka Podujana Permauna (SLPP) Presidential Candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa was declared as the winner of the presidential election by the Election Commission (EC) today (Nov 17).

Mr Rajapaksa received 6,924,255 votes at the presidential election, outnumbering his opponent Sajith Premadasa who received 5,564,239 votes.

Thirty-five candidates contested this year's presidential election, which saw a voter turnout of 83.72 percent, EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said during a meeting with the candidates.

The polls chief observed that the poll had been conducted in a peaceful manner, despite having shortcomings due to the conduct of certain state media outlets, and some religious leaders.

He pointed out that some state officers who did not enjoy political rights had taken part in certain political events. “We will action under the law against these state officers who were involved in political activities,” he stressed.

Further, Deshapriya emphasised that steps should be taken to ensure that military or security personnel are not drawn into activities of political campaigning.

He extended his gratitude to all stakeholders who had contributed towards conducting a peaceful election.

The EC Chairman requested the newly-elected President to conduct the provincial election during his rule.

Meanwhile, the SLPP in a statement said Rajapaksa will take oaths as Sri Lanka’s Seventh Executive President at the Ruwanweliseya Buddhist Shrine in Anuradhapura tomorrow.

He will address the nation after being sworn in as President.

The statement noted that Rajapaksa will also engage in religious observances at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sacred tree, and at the Ruwanwelisaya Shrine before his address.

(Pix by Indika Handuwala)