Sri Lanka blessed with Maithri

Saturday, 10 January 2015 04:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Opposition common candidate Maithripala Sirisena secures decisive victory with 51% majority to become sixth executive President and end Rajapaksa regime
Promises exemplary leadership, usher in social, economic and political transformation with supporting parties
Assures will not contest another term
Incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa concedes loss even before final result declared; Secures 47.6 % of votes with strong support especially from south

By Dharisha Bastians Sri Lanka’s sixth executive president Maithripala Sirisena was sworn into office at the historic Independence Square at sunset yesterday, after winning a slim yet decisive 51% majority in Thursday’s presidential election. Waving lion flags and cheering loudly, throngs of people witnessed the swearing-in of president-elect Sirisena, who was swept to power on an anti-incumbency wave, ousting President Mahinda Rajapaksa who has Sri Lanka ruled for nearly 10 years. A celebratory atmosphere pervaded the historic square, where Sri Lanka signed its independence treaty to free itself from British rule in 1948. Independence Hall was illuminated with spotlighting and scores of national flags fluttered in the winds around the square. Large television screens showed a live telecast of the oath-taking ceremony for crowds of people whose view was obstructed by those thronging the Hall.

As dusk fell over the iconic Independence Memorial Hall, President-elect Sirisena recited the official oath of the presidency before Supreme Court Justice K. Sripavan, the most senior judge of the country’s highest court. Remarkably, the Opposition overlooked Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, who would traditionally have delivered the presidential oath. Peiris’ appointment has been challenged by Opposition campaigners since 2013 as being unconstitutional following the sacking of his predecessor, Shirani Bandaranayake. President Sirisena, who campaigned against corruption and autocratic rule, pledged to govern with “compassion” in his first address to the nation as Sri Lanka’s President. “Nahi Verena Verani (hatred does not cease by hatred),” Sirisena echoed J.R. Jayewardene’s famous words from the Dhammapada in 1945 before the world community, promising that he would not be vengeful towards his political critics and anyone who campaigned against him. He expressed disappointment in the campaign of character assassination and false propaganda carried out by the State-controlled media during the election campaign He thanked former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Wickremesinghe, the UNP, JHU, Tamil National Alliance, All Ceylon Makkal Congress, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and the JVP for their support to ensure his victory in Thursday’s election. He also thanked former President Mahinda Rajapaksa who he described as “my friend” for a smooth transition, the Elections Commissioner, the Police and armed forces for the peaceful conduct of elections. President Sirisena pledged to implement his 100-day program for constitutional change and good governance. “I will not contest another term for the presidency,” he vowed as the crowds cheered hard at his words. The new President also pledged to strengthen Sri Lanka’s foreign policy and maintain friendly relations with all other countries. Sirisena also pledged to work towards a social, economic and political transformation with the support of around 48 political parties and organisation who backed him in the bid for Presidency. Assuring exemplary leadership, Sirisena also promised to usher in a new political culture, a just society, good governance and root out corruption and crime. Opposition coalition leaders, including ex-President Kumaratunga, JHU General Secretary Champika Ranawaka, JHU Chairman Athuraliye Rathana Thero and former Army Chief Sarath Fonseka were present at the oaths ceremony. Several diplomatic envoys attended the swearing-in ceremony last evening. President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wickremesinghe were driven away in a motorcade with a ceremonial mounted guard following the swearing-in. A historic turnout of 81.52% on Election Day heralded a vote for change. Official declaration by the Elections Commission said 12,123,452 voters had cast their ballots in the 8 January election. The voter turnout on Thursday was the highest ever seen for a presidential election in the country. President Rajapaksa declared the snap election two years ahead of schedule on 20 November, triggering a series of events that culminated in the Sirisena victory yesterday. Obtaining only 47.58% of the total vote, President Rajapaksa was ousted by the Sri Lankan electorate in Thursday’s poll. Sirisena managed to carry the Gampaha District in the election, albeit by only a few percentage points. In the formerly embattled North and East, where the minority communities dominate, Sirisena had a lead of over 600,000 votes. “I value and respect our democratic process and the people’s verdict, and look forward to the peaceful transition of power,” the outgoing President said on his official Twitter account - @PresRajapaksa - yesterday.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.