Rajapaksa concedes

[SouthDesi]

Sri Lanka's long-time leader Mahinda Rajapaksa has admitted defeat in the presidential election, his office says.

President Rajapaksa has dominated politics for a decade, but faced an unexpected challenge from his health minister Maithripala Sirisena.

The statement said Mr Rajapaksa would "ensure a smooth transition of power bowing to the wishes of the people".

Mr Rajapaksa, who was seeking a third term in office, is credited by many with ending the civil war in 2009.

Troops routed the Tamil Tigers after more than two decades of fighting.

But rights groups accused both sides in the war of atrocities, allegations the government denies.

BBC News - Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa 'admits defeat' in election

 

[bongbang]

@Gibbs

 

[Gibbs]

@Gibbs

People's right of choice enshrined.. Democracy won.. Not only the democracy of Sinhalese or Tamils or Muslims etc.. But of all Sri Lankans.. Wish them all the best..

And as @Azizam mentioned a word of appreciation to the out going president for giving way to a smooth transition and ever greateful for getting rid of terrorism in the country uniting it and bringing in peace.. But it was the time for a change and Let's hope the new president can usher in the reconciliation that's in dire need