(Image source from: Maithripala Sirisena to be the President of Sri Lanka?})

After ruling the country for a decade, Mahinda Rajapaksa conceded his defeat to opposition after completion of the elections. His old ally and present opponent Maithripala Sirisena may get the chair by gaining over 4,00,000 majority.

Maitripala Sirisena has left Mahinda (government) in November last year. And he was supported by the group of opposition parties. It is yet to be announced the results of Thursday’s elections on this Ocean island of 21 million people. Majority of the population belongs to Sinhalese, both Mahinda and Sirisena are belonging to this ethnic group only.

Mahinda Rajapaksa (69) wanted to become the President for third term. He amended the constitution for contesting unlimited times for President Post. He strictly rooted out the LTTE ( a militant organization fought for Tamil cause). He is severely facing allegations on corruption, dictatorship. His political rival Maithripala Sirisena has promised to curb corruption and misgovernance during his campaigning.

Presidential coordinator Wijayananda Herath said to the media that Rajapaksa met Wickremesinghe, who will be prime minister under the new president, to concede defeat and asked him to "facilitate a smooth transition". Rajapaksa also vacated Temple Trees, the official residence of Sri Lanka President in the Capital city Colombo.

India is prospective partner of Sri Lanka from long time, and Mahinda Rajapaksa has taken a tilt towards China for investment and development, which is bitter news for India. India's former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, has monitored the election procedure as head of the Asian Election Monitors team.

Update: It is learnt that Sirisena will have swearing-in ceremony on Friday. He has secured 52 percent vote in Presidential eclections.

AW: Kannamsai