Sri Lankan presidential election, 2015

7th Sri Lankan presidential election
Sri Lanka
8 January 2015 (2015-01-08)
Turnout 81.52%
 
Nominee Maithripala Sirisena Mahinda Rajapaksa
Party New Democratic Front Sri Lanka Freedom Party
Alliance The Common Candidate[N 1] United People's Freedom Alliance
Home state North Central Province Southern Province
States carried 12[N 2] 10
Popular vote 6,217,162 5,768,090
Percentage 51.28% 47.58%

polling divisions won by

■ – Maithripala Sirisena ■ – Mahinda Rajapaksa

President before election

Mahinda Rajapaksa
United People's Freedom Alliance

 Elected President

Maithripala Sirisena
New Democratic Front

Presidential elections were held in Sri Lanka on 8 January 2015, two years ahead of schedule.[1][2] The incumbent President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the United People's Freedom Alliance's candidate, seeking a third term in office.[3][4] The United National Party (UNP)-led opposition coalition chose to field Maithripala Sirisena, the former Minister of Health in Rajapaksa's government and general secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) – the main constituent party of the UPFA – as its common candidate.[5][6]

Sirisena was declared the winner after receiving 51.28% of all votes cast compared to Rajapaksa's 47.58%.[7][8] The result was generally seen as a shock.[9][10][11] When Rajapaksa called the election in November 2014 he had looked certain to win.[12][13][14] On 11 January 2015 the new government announced a special investigation into allegations of an attempted coup by Rajapaksa.[15]

Timeline

2014
2015

Background

Protest against Rajapaksa seeking a third term, 18 November 2014

According to the constitution, the normal term of office for a president is six years, although an incumbent serving a second term may call an election at any time after four years in office.[30] In November 2009, buoyed by the government's defeat of the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in May 2009, incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa called an early presidential election.[31] In the elections held in January 2010 Rajapaksa secured a second term in office, defeating common opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka.[32][33] In February 2010 the Supreme Court ruled that Rajapaksa's second term would begin in November 2010, and was accordingly sworn in on 19 November 2010.[34][35][36]

In September 2010 Parliament, which was controlled by Rajapaksa's UPFA, passed the eighteenth amendment to the constitution, removing the two term limit on presidents, allowing Rajapaksa to run for a third term.[37]

There was speculation in mid-2014 that Rajapaksa would call another early presidential election: on 20 October 2014 Minister of Mass Media and Information Keheliya Rambukwella confirmed that the election would be held in January 2015.[16][38] Critics of Rajapaksa, including the Bar Association and former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, claimed that he could not stand for re-election as he had won his second term before the eighteenth amendment to the constitution had been passed.[39][40][41] In early November 2014 Rajapaksa sought the Supreme Court's opinion on whether he could stand for re-election.[17][42] The court ruled that Rajapaksa could stand for re-election.[43][44] The independence of the Supreme Court has been questioned since the UPFA impeached former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, allowing Rajapaksa to appoint an ally and legal adviser, former Attorney General Mohan Peiris, as Chief Justice.[45][46][47]

On 20 November 2014 Rajapaksa issued a proclamation calling for a presidential election at which he would seek re-election.[18][48][49] The following day election commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya announced that nominations would be taken on 8 December 2014 and that the election would be held on 8 January 2015.[19][50]

15,044,490 Sri Lankans were eligible to vote at the election.[51][52] Postal voting was held on 23 and 24 December 2014.[21][22] Foreign monitors were invited to observe the election but not from the United Nations.[53]

Electoral system

The Sri Lankan president is elected using a form of instant-runoff voting. Voters can rank up to three candidates, and if no candidate wins a majority in the first round of voting, second and third preferences from ballots whose first preference candidate has been eliminated are used to determine the winner.[54] There are 12,314 polling stations in the 22 electoral districts.[55]

Concurrent events

Papal visit

The election had caused uncertainty over the planned visit of Pope Francis to Sri Lanka, due to take place from 13 to 15 January 2015.[56] Prior to the election being called the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka had urged all sides not to politicise the papal visit.[57][58] After the election had been called posters appeared showing the Pope blessing Rajapaksa.[59][60][61] The Catholic church has condemned the posters and called for their removal.[62][63]

2014–15 floods

In the last two weeks of December 2014 central, eastern and northern Sri Lanka were hit by the worst floods since 1956, resulting in several deaths and the displacement of over one million people.[64][65] Some local election monitoring groups have expressed concern that the displaced may not be able to vote at the election.[66] The Election Commissioner has however said that no candidate, their representative or lawyers had complained and that there was no reason to postpone the election.[67][68]

Candidates

Nineteen nominations were received from by the Elections Department on 8 December 2014, all of which were accepted.[20][69] Seventeen candidates were from registered political parties and two were independents.[70]

Mahinda Rajapaksa

Rajapaksa election posters

The incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa will contest as the UPFA candidate, seeking an unprecedented third term.[71][72] He has also received the backing of a number of small constituent parties of the UPFA including the Ceylon Workers' Congress,[73] Communist Party,[74] Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP),[75] National Freedom Front,[76] National Union of Workers[77] and the Up-Country People's Front.[78] On nomination day, 8 December 2014, two opposition MPs, Tissa Attanayake and Jayantha Ketagoda, defected to the government to support Rajapaksa.[79][80] Attanayake was later appointed Minister of Health — the post previously held by Sirisena.[81][82] Rajapaksa has also received the support of the Buddhist extremist Bodu Bala Sena.[83]

However, the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) withdrew from UPFA government on 18 November 2014 citing Rajapaksa's refusal to reform the executive presidency and enact reforms to promote accountability.[84][85][86][87] After much hesitation the All Ceylon Muslim Congress and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress also withdrew from the UPFA government, on 22 and 28 December 2014 respectively, blaming the government's failure to protect Sri Lankan Muslims from Sinhalese Buddhist extremists.[88][89][90]

Rajapaksa released his manifesto, titled Mahinda's Vision — The World Winning Path, on 23 December 2014 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.[91][92] The manifesto pledges to introduce a new constitution within one year of being elected but the executive presidency won't be abolished — it will be amended and the "weakness" in the parliamentary system eliminated.[93][94][95] A naval force and a special security force will be set up, with the help of the army, to tackle drug trafficking and other organised crime.[93][96] The manifesto also pledges to establish a transparent, judicial inquiry into the alleged war crimes during the final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War but Rajapaksa has refused to co-operate with UN investigation.[97][98][99]

Maithripala Sirisena

In the run up to the election being called several names had been suggested for nomination as the common opposition candidate: former president Chandrika Kumaratunga, UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, UNP Leadership Council Chairman Karu Jayasuriya, former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake and leader of the National Movement for Social Justice Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero.[100][101] However, on 21 November 2014, after the election had been called, Maithripala Sirisena, was revealed as the common opposition candidate by the UNP.[102][103] Sirisena had been Minister of Health in Rajapaksa's government and general secretary of the SLFP before defecting to the opposition coalition.[104][105] Sirisena immediately received the support of former president Chandrika Kumaratunga and several UPFA MPs that had defected alongside him (Duminda Dissanayake, M. K. D. S. Gunawardena, Wasantha Senanayake, Rajitha Senaratne, Rajiva Wijesinha).[106][107][108] Sirisena and the other UPFA MPs were stripped of their ministerial positions and expelled from the SLFP.[109][110][111] On 30 November minister Navin Dissanayake resigned from the UPFA government and defected to the opposition to support Sirisena.[112][113] Two deputy ministers, Palani Digambaran and Velusami Radhakrishnan, resigned from the UPFA government on 10 December 2014 to support Sirisena.[114][115] Two other deputy ministers, Faiszer Musthapha and Nandimithra Ekanayake, resigned from the UPFA government, on 31 December 2014 and 1 January 2015 respectively, to support Sirisena.[116][117][118][119] Sirisena received the support of UPFA MP Achala Jagodage on 2 January 2015.[120][121]

Sirisena has pledged to abolish the executive presidency within 100 days of being elected, repeal the controversial eighteenth amendment, re-instate the seventeenth amendment and appoint UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe as Prime Minister.[122][123][124] On 1 December 2014 Sirisena signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 36 opposition parties/civic groups promising to abolish the executive presidency, hold parliamentary elections, form an all-party national government and carry out various political reforms.[125][126] Signatories to the MOU include the UNP, Sarath Fonseka's Democratic Party, Democratic People's Front, Azath Salley's Muslim Tamil National Alliance, Free Media Movement, Federation of University Teachers Association as well as dissident groups of the LSSP and Communist Party.[127][128] The following day the JHU announced that it was supporting Sirisena in the presidential election.[129][130] On 30 December 2014 the Tamil National Alliance, the largest political party representing the Sri Lankan Tamil people, endorsed Sirisena.[131]

Sirisena is to contest as the New Democratic Front (NDF) candidate under its swan symbol.[132][133] Common opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka contested the 2010 presidential election as a NDF candidate under its swan symbol.[134]

Sirisena released his manifesto, titled A Compassionate Maithri Governance — A Stable Country, on 19 December 2014 at a rally at Viharamahadevi Park.[135][136] The main pledge in the manifesto is the replacement of the executive presidency with a Westminster style cabinet but the manifesto acknowledges that Sirisena would need the support of the parliament to amend the constitution.[137] The manifesto also makes a commitment to replace the open list proportional representation system with a mixture of first-past-the-post and PR for electing MPs.[137] Parliamentary elections will be held in April 2015 after the constitution has been amended.[138] Independent commissions will be established to oversee the judiciary, police, elections department, Auditor-General's Department and Attorney-General's Department.[139][140] The Commission on Bribery and Corruption will be strengthened and political diplomatic appointments annulled.[139][140][141] Populist measures in the manifesto include a commitment to write-off 50% of farmers' loans, reduce fuel prices by removing taxes and a salary increase of Rs.10,000 for public servants.[140][142][143][144] Public spending on health would increase from 1.8% of GDP to 3% of GDP whilst that on education would increase from 1.7% of GDP to 6% of GDP.[145][146] The manifesto also states that the casino licences granted to Kerry Packer's Crown Resort and John Keells Holdings's Water Front will be cancelled.[147][148] Political victims during Rajapaks's rule, including Sarath Fonseka and Shirani Bandaranayake, would be re-appointed.[142][149]

In a separate document Sirisena has pledged that, whilst resisting any international investigation, he would establish an independent domestic inquiry into the alleged war crimes during the final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War.[140][150]

Minor candidates

The remaining seventeen candidates are from minor political parties or independents.[151]

Some of the minor candidates are "dummy candidates" who have been fielded by the two main candidates so that they may obtain maximum benefits of being a candidate, such as free slots on state television, two agents at every polling booth and assigning counting agents.[155]

Conduct

This election, like past Sri Lankan elections, has been characterised by violence, misuse of state resources and other violations of election laws.[156][157][158][159] Local election monitoring groups described the violations as shameless and condemned the police for their inaction.[160] The government accused some local election monitoring groups of being biased in favour of the opposition candidate and of being funded by foreign countries.[161][162] The International Crisis Group warned that the tighter the election, the more violent it would be and should Rajapaksa lose he may use the military or the "politically-compliant" Supreme Court to retain power.[163][164] However, Rajapaksa stated that, although he expected not to lose, he would hand over power peacefully should he do so.[165] UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the Sri Lankan government to ensure "the peaceful and credible conduct" of the election.[166][167] Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma called for "transparency, a level playing field, and adherence to the laws and norms that govern a credible and peaceful election".[168][169] The European Union's heads of mission in Colombo issued a joint statement on 2 January 2015 calling for a "peaceful, credible and transparent" election.[170][171]

By 31 December 2014 the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) had recorded 1,007 incidents of election law violations of which 105 related to violence, including 19 incidents involving firearms.[172] CaFFE has accused the police of allowing government supporters to attack the opposition.[173] The People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) recorded 730 cases of violations by 3 January 2015 including 197 incidents of violence.[174] The Center for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) had recorded 420 incidents between 20 November 2014 and 5 January 2015.[175] The police had received 214 complaints up to 2 January 2015 and arrested 92 people who were all subsequently released on bail.[176]

According to analysts and opposition parties Rajapaksa was using the Sri Lankan military to depress opposition turnout, particularly amongst the Tamils in the north and east of the country.[177][178] On 4 January 2015 international election monitors reported that they had received complaints of voter intimidation and that the army had set up 400 roadblocks to prevent Tamils from voting.[179]

After voting had finished election commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya declared the poll to be "peaceful" and the election to be "free and fair".[180] However, according to CMEV some voters in the north were prevented from voting.[181]

Election monitors

104 election monitors from the South Asian Election Monitoring Forum, South Asian Election Monitoring Association, Asian Election Monitoring Network and the Commonwealth arrived in Sri Lanka on 27 December 2014.[182] Monitors from the European Election Monitoring Association are also expected to be called upon.[183] The Election Commissioner offered six election monitoring groups the opportunity to monitor the count at only 300 of the 1,200 counting centres.[184][185]

After polling Commonwealth observers said the election was not fully democratic because of the inadequate electoral and legal framework and the unequal pre-electoral environment.[186][187]

Violence

A Buddhist vihara in Borella belonging to JHU MP Athuraliye Rathana Thero was attacked on 20 November 2014, two days after the JHU left the UPFA government.[188][189][190] On the evening of 21 November 2014 UNP member Chamila Ranasinghe was shot at Maggona in Payagala as UNP supporters celebrated the crossover of UPFA MPs to the opposition.[191][192] The houses of two UNP supporters from Madampe, Milton and Sudeh Priyankara, were shot at on the night of 22/23 November 2014.[193][194] The office of UNP MP M. H. A. Haleem in Mawilmada was shot at in the early hours of 25 November 2014.[195][196] A rice truck belonging Sirisena's brother Dudley Sirisena and its crew were attacked in Marandagahamula on 29 November 2014.[197][198] A group of UNP supporters were attacked by UPFA supporters in Gelioya on the night of 30 November 2014.[199] UPFA local councillor Shiron Fernando, who had defected to the opposition to support Sirisena, was attacked at his home in Bolewatte near Wennappuwa.[200]

On the morning of 17 December 2014 a stage that Sirisena had been intending to use for a rally at Wanduramba near Galle was set on fire along with a vehicle by an unidentified group, and three workers installing the stage were abducted.[201][202] Three suspects were arrested but were then taken from police custody by Deputy Minister Nishantha Muthuhettigama.[203][204] Despite an arrest warrant being issued for his arrest, Muthuhettigama left Sri Lanka for Singapore on 26 December 2014.[205][206][207] He was arrested on 28 December 2014 after returning to Sri Lanka but was released the following day.[208][209][210][211]

The UNP's headquarters Sirikotha was attacked on 24 December 2014 by members of the Patriotic National Front and the Federation of National Organizers (FNO) resulting in over 30 injuries on both sides.[212][213][214] The FNO is believed to be an affiliate of the National Freedom Front, a member of the UPFA government.[215] On 20 December 2014 UPFA supporters tried to sabotage an opposition rally in Haputale before attacking UNP supporters resulting in five injuries.[216][217] A group of opposition activists were attacked on 21 December 2014 at the bus halt in Hambantota by government supporters led by Hambantota mayor Eraj Ravindra Fernando.[218][219] Fernando was arrested the following day but released on bail on 24 December 2014.[220][221][222] On the night of 23/24 December 2014 an unidentified group fired shots at the stage that Sirisena had been intending to use for a rally at Kolonnawa.[223][224] Sirisena's election office in Batticaloa was attacked on the morning of 24 December 2014 by a group of around 30 unidentified people armed with firearms and petrol bombs.[225]

The house in Beruwala that former president Chandrika Kumaratunga and provincial councillor Hirunika Premachandra, who had defected to support Sirisena, were dining in was stoned by UPFA supporters on 26 December 2014.[226] Later that night clashes broke in Beruwala out between UPFA and UNP supporters resulting in the Special Task Force being deployed in the town the following day.[227] Sirisena's election office in Irrakandi was attacked on the night of 27/28 December 2014.[228] On the night of 28 December 2014 Sirisena supporters were attacked following a rally at Nidangala near Mahiyangana, resulting in three injuries.[229][230] A group of artists distributing leaflets for the Sirisena in Kumbukgate near Kurunegala were attacked by UPFA supporters on 29 December 2014 as police officers looked on.[231][232] On 30 December 2014 clashes broke in Polonnaruwa between two groups Buddhist monks, one supporting Rajapaksa and the other Sirisena, during which an election monitor was attacked and threatened by supporters of Deputy Minister Siripala Gamalath.[233]

An opposition rally on 2 January 2015 in Pelmadulla was stoned by government supporters, seriously injuring at least 20, whilst Sirisena was addressing the rally.[234][235][236] Unidentified individuals fired shots at the house of UPFA provincial councillor Lakshman Wendaruwa, who had earlier pledged support for Sirisena, on the night of 2 January 2015, injuring a security guard.[237][238] As Sirisena was leaving a rally at Aralaganwila on 3 January 2015 a group of government supporters arrived in a jeep and fired shots at the rally, injuring a bystander and damaging vehicles.[239][240]

On 5 January 2015 three people setting up a stage for a Sirisena rally in Kahawatta were injured when unidentified people fired shots at them.[241] Arrest warrants were issued for three UPFA politicians, including deputy minister Premalal Jayasekara, in connection with the shooting.[242] One of the victims, Shantha Dodamgoda, succumbed to injuries and died on 7 January 2015.[243][244]

On election day, 8 January 2015, explosions were reported at three locations — Navaladi junction near Alvai, Nelukkulam Kalaimagal Maha Vidyalayam near Vavuniya and Beruwala.[245] Two women were assaulted by UPFA supporters, including deputy minister Sarana Gunawardena, in Yatiyana.[246]

Media abuse

On 22 November 2014, PEO TV internet protocol television network (IPTV) and Dialog TV satellite television network had reportedly blocked the Sirasa TV from broadcasting the Satana programme which interviewed the common opposition candidate Sirisena and several other members of opposition.[247] Tisara Samal Somaratne, a journalist for Hiru TV and Ada newspaper, was attacked by UPFA supporters in Eppawala on 5 December 2014 and later threatened by UPFA supporters whilst receiving hospital treatment.[248]

The 30 November 2014 edition of the Ravaya newspaper contained a story claiming that the State Intelligence Service had carried out a survey which showed that the opposition candidate would win the election by 59% to 41%.[249] The editor of the paper K. W. Janaranjana was later interrogated about the story by the Criminal Investigation Department.[250][251] According to Ravaya, newspaper distributors had been threatened not to sell the paper.[252][253]

On nomination day, 8 December 2014, all English and Sinhala language newspapers in the country carried a front-page promotion of Rajapaksa's war victory whilst Tamil language newspapers carried an advertisement showing Rajapaksa re-opening the railway line to Jaffna.[254][255] All TV stations in Sri Lanka had planned to broadcast Janapathi Janahamuwa, a programme featuring Rajapaksa, on the evening of 5 January 2015, the last legal day of campaigning, which would have prevented other candidates from having access TV.[256][257] However, on 5 January 2015 the district court in Kaduwela issued an enjoining order barring the stations from broadcasting the programme.[258]

Naushad Amith, a journalist working for Wijeya Newspapers, was assaulted by government supporters in Maligawatta on 6 January 2015 as police officers stood by.[259][260]

Misuse of state resources

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has documented incidents of state employees, including those from Road Development Authority and the Sri Lanka Civil Security Force, carrying out election propaganda work for the Rajapaksa campaign.[261][262] TISL has also alleged that over 1,000 buses belonging to the state-owned Sri Lanka Transport Board had been used to transport people long distances to attend Rajapaksa rallies.[263][264] TISL has complained to the Election Commissioner regarding state-owned TV stations (Rupavahini and Independent Television Network (ITN)) carrying live broadcasts of Rajapaksa rallies — a violation of election laws.[265] The Election Commissioner has asked the state broadcasters not to broadcast programmes supporting Rajapaksa.[266][267] According to TISL government officials were distributing free mobile phones on behalf of the Rajapaksa campaign.[268]

The UNP has alleged that employees of the state-owned Sri Lanka Ports Authority are being used for election propaganda work for the Rajapaksa campaign.[269][270] The Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (a pro-UNP trade union) has alleged that more than 1,000 employees of Colombo Port have been transferred to carry out election work for the Rajapaksa campaign.[271]

Government employees have been photographed by The Sunday Times putting up Rajapaksa posters on the Southern Expressway.[272] The newspaper has also reported that several senior diplomats had been recalled to Sri Lanka to work on Rajapaksa's campaign.[273] CaFFE has claimed that 44 prisoners from Galle Prison were used to erect the stage for a Rajapaksa rally at Kamburupitiya on 14 December 2014.[274][275] CaFFE has also alleged that senior government officials are openly campaigning for Rajapaksa.[276] Rajapaksa's manifesto launch on 23 December 2014 was broadcast live on the state-owned Rupavahini TV station.[93][277] The opposition has alleged that the army is campaigning for Rajapaksa, a charge the army has denied.[278] The army was found to have used state money to post Rajapaksa campaign propaganda to hundreds of thousands of soldiers and their families.[279]

The Sri Lankan government has denied that state resources are being used on the Rajapaksa campaign.[280][281]

Results

Sirsena was declared the winner after receiving 51.28% of all votes cast compared to Rajapaksa's 47.58%.[282][283] Turnout was 81.52%, the highest for a Sri Lankan presidential election and significantly more than the 2010 presidential election.[284][285] Sirsena was the winner in 12 electoral districts whilst Rajapaksa was victorious in the remaining 10.[286]

Rajapaksa had earlier conceded defeat after meeting Wickremesinghe and assuring him of a smooth transition of power.[287][288] Rajapaksa then left his official residence Temple Trees.[289][290] He also vacated President's House.[291]

Sirisena was sworn in as Sri Lanka's sixth executive president before Supreme Court judge K. Sripavan in Independence Square, Colombo at 6.20pm on 9 January 2015.[28][29] It is custom for the president to be sworn in before the chief justice but Sirisena had refused to be sworn in before Chief Justice Peiris who had been appointed by Rajapaksa after the controversial impeachment of the previous chief justice.[292][293] Immediately afterwards, Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lanka's new prime minister before Sirisena.[294][295] After being sworn in Sirisena stated that he would only serve one term.[296][297]

National

 Summary of the 2015 Sri Lankan presidential election[298]
Candidate Party Votes %
  Maithripala Sirisena New Democratic Front 6,217,162 51.28%
  Mahinda Rajapaksa United People's Freedom Alliance 5,768,090 47.58%
Ratnayake Arachchige Sirisena Patriotic National Front 18,174 0.15%
Namal Ajith Rajapaksa Our National Front 15,726 0.13%
Maulawi Ibrahim Mohanmed Mishlar United Peace Front 14,379 0.12%
A. S. P. Liyanage Sri Lanka Labour Party 14,351 0.12%
Ruwanthileke Peduru United Lanka People's Party 12,436 0.10%
  Aithurus M. Illias Independent 10,618 0.09%
  Duminda Nagamuwa Frontline Socialist Party 9,941 0.08%
  Siritunga Jayasuriya United Socialist Party 8,840 0.07%
Sarath Manamendra New Sinhala Heritage 6,875 0.06%
  Pani Wijesiriwardene Socialist Equality Party 4,277 0.04%
  Anurudha Polgampola Independent 4,260 0.04%
  Sundaram Mahendran Nava Sama Samaja Party 4,047 0.03%
Muthu Bandara Theminimulla All Are Citizens, All Are Kings Organisation 3,846 0.03%
Battaramulle Seelarathana Jana Setha Peramuna 3,750 0.03%
Prasanna Priyankara Democratic National Movement 2,793 0.02%
Jayantha Kulathunga United Lanka Great Council 2,061 0.02%
Wimal Geeganage Sri Lanka National Front 1,826 0.02%
Valid votes 12,123,452 100.00%
Rejected votes 140,925
Total polled 12,264,377
Registered electors 15,044,490
Turnout 81.52%

District

  Maithripala Sirisena
  Mahinda Rajapaksa
Districts won by Sirisena
Districts won by Rajapaksa
Electoral
District 		Province Rajapaksa Sirisena Others Total Valid Turnout
Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes %
Anuradhapura North Central 281,161 53.59% 238,407 45.44% 5,065 0.97% 524,633 100.00% 83.10%
Badulla Uva 249,243 49.15% 249,524 49.21% 8,303 1.64% 507,070 100.00% 82.99%
Batticaloa Eastern 41,631 16.22% 209,422 81.62% 5,533 2.16% 256,586 100.00% 70.97%
Colombo Western 562,614 43.40% 725,073 55.93% 8,673 0.67% 1,296,360 100.00% 82.67%
Digamadulla Eastern 121,027 33.82% 233,360 65.22% 3,430 0.96% 357,817 100.00% 77.39%
Galle Southern 377,126 55.64% 293,994 43.37% 6,691 0.99% 677,811 100.00% 83.49%
Gampaha Western 664,347 49.49% 669,007 49.83% 9,142 0.68% 1,342,496 100.00% 82.88%
Hambantota Southern 243,295 63.02% 138,708 35.93% 4,073 1.05% 386,076 100.00% 84.13%
Jaffna Northern 74,454 21.85% 253,574 74.42% 12,723 3.73% 340,751 100.00% 66.28%
Kalutara Western 395,890 52.65% 349,404 46.46% 6,690 0.89% 751,984 100.00% 84.73%
Kandy Central 378,585 44.23% 466,994 54.56% 10,329 1.21% 855,908 100.00% 82.63%
Kegalle Sabaragamuwa 278,130 51.82% 252,533 47.05% 6,108 1.14% 536,771 100.00% 83.60%
Kurunegala North Western 556,868 53.46% 476,602 45.76% 8,154 0.78% 1,041,624 100.00% 82.98%
Matara Southern 297,823 57.81% 212,435 41.24% 4,892 0.95% 515,150 100.00% 83.36%
Matale Central 158,880 51.41% 145,928 47.22% 4,214 1.36% 309,022 100.00% 82.35%
Monaragala Uva 172,745 61.45% 105,276 37.45% 3,095 1.10% 281,116 100.00% 83.75%
Nuwara Eliya Central 145,339 34.06% 272,605 63.88% 8,822 2.07% 426,766 100.00% 81.27%
Polonnaruwa North Central 105,640 41.27% 147,974 57.80% 2,382 0.93% 255,996 100.00% 83.94%
Puttalam North Western 197,751 48.97% 202,073 50.04% 4,026 1.00% 403,850 100.00% 73.81%
Ratnapura Sabaragamuwa 379,053 55.74% 292,514 43.01% 8,517 1.25% 680,084 100.00% 84.90%
Trincomalee Eastern 52,111 26.67% 140,338 71.84% 2,907 1.49% 195,356 100.00% 76.76%
Vanni Northern 34,377 19.07% 141,417 78.47% 4,431 2.46% 180,225 100.00% 72.57%
Total 5,768,090 47.58% 6,217,162 51.28% 138,200 1.14% 12,123,452 100.00% 81.52%

Maps

Aftermath

Attempted coup

Wikinews has related news: Sri Lanka to investigate alleged coup attempt by outgoing president

According to Mangala Samaraweera and Rajitha Senaratne, senior figures in the Sirisena campaign, Rajapaksa attempted to stage a coup in order to stay in power when it became clear he was going to lose the election.[299][300] They allege that Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, the Defence Secretary, summoned Commander of the Army Daya Ratnayake, Inspector General of Police N. K. Illangakoon and Attorney General Yuwanjana Wanasundera to Temple Trees at around 1am on 9 January 2015.[301] Rajapaksa allegedly pressurised the three officials to deploy troops, annul the election results and declare a state of emergency but they refused.[302][303] According to the Colombo Telegraph Rajapaksa also wanted to dissolve parliament.[304] It was only then Rajapaksa decided to concede defeat and summoned Wickremesinghe to assure him of a smooth transition of power.[305]

A spokesman for Rajapaksa has denied the allegations as baseless.[306][307] The army and police have also denied the allegations.[308] The new government is to investigate the alleged coup attempt.[15]

Departures and resignations

Central Bank governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal who had openly campaigned for Rajapaksa, resigned from his position on 9 January 2015.[309] Minister of Foreign Employment Dilan Perera also resigned.[310] The controversial Treasury Secretary P.B. Jayasundera fled to Singapore on election day.[311] He was replaced by Arjuna Mahendran.[312] B.M.U.D. Basnayake was appointed Defence Secretary, replacing Rajapaksa's brother Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.[313][314] Lanka Hospitals Corporation, whose biggest shareholder is the state-owned Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, announced on 9 January 2015 that its chairman (Gotabhaya Rajapaksa) and vice chair person (Roshini Cabraal, wife of Ajith Nivard Cabraal) had resigned.[315]

Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development and another brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, and his wife left Sri Lanka for the USA on 11 January 2015.[316] Basil Rajapaksa holds US-Sri Lankan dual citizenship.[317][318] Senior diplomats who had returned to Sri Lanka to support the Rajapaksa election campaign left the country on the same day.[319] Two of aides of Sarath Fonseka, Major General Mahesh Senanayake and Brigadier Duminda Keppetiwalana, who had fled Sri Lanka after the 2010 presidential election, returned to Sri Lanka on 10 January 2015.[320]

Rajpal Abeynayake and Dinesh Weerawansa, editors of the state-owned Daily News and Sunday Observer newspapers which had run a venomous campaign against Sirisena in the run up to the election, failed to show up for work on 9 January 2015 and had vanished.[321] After Sirisena's victory the Daily News made an abrupt u-turn, praising Sirisena and criticising Rajapaksa.[322] Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation chairman Hudson Samarasinghe and Deputy General Manager of ITN Sudharman Radaliyagoda had fled the country according to the Colombo Telegraph. Somaratne Dissanayake, who had worked for the Rajapaksa regime before defecting to support Sirisena, was appointed chairman of the state-owned Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.[323]

The new administration has said that a special unit will be established to investigate large scale corruption during the Rajapaksa regime.[324]

On 10 January 2015 minister Nimal Siripala de Silva announced that the UPFA would support Sirisena's 100-day programme unconditionally.[325][326] Addressing the nation from Temple of the Tooth the following day, Sirisena invited all political parties to join to form a national unity government.[327] Shortly afterwards a group of 21 SLFP MPs pledged their support for Sirisena.[328][329] According to Sirisena's team has enough support in parliament to secure a majority.[330]

International reaction

Supranational bodies
Nations

Alleged role of RAW

It was alleged by the Sri Lankan newspaper The Sunday Times, that Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) had a played in role in uniting the opposition, to bring about the defeat of Mahinda Rajapaksa. There had been growing concern in the Indian government, on the increasing influence of economic and military rival China in Sri Lankan affairs. Rajapaksa further upped the ante by allowing 2 Chinese submarines to dock in 2014, without informing India, in spite of a stand still agreement to this effect between India and Sri Lanka. The growing Chinese tilt of Rajapaksa was viewed by India with unease. Further, it was alleged, that a RAW agent, helped co-ordination of talks within the opposition, and convincing former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe not to stand against Rajapaksa, but to choose a common opposition candidate, who had better chances of winning. The agent is also alleged to have been in touch with Chandrika Kumaratunga, who played a key role in convincing Maithripala Sirisena to be the common candidate. Further, it was alleged, that the Rajapaksa government had expelled the involved RAW agent in the run-up to presidential election.[355][356][357][358][359][360]

However these allegations were denied by the Indian Government[361] and the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.[362]

Notes

  1. ↑ Common Opposition led by the United National Party
  2. ↑ Total number of districts won by the candidate. The winner does not have to win a majority of districts to win the election.

References

  1. ↑ "Presidential poll Jan. 8; Nominations on Dec. 8". Daily Mirror. 21 November 2014.
  2. ↑ "South Asia Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa facing electoral rebellion". Deutsche Welle. 21 November 2014.
  3. ↑ "Sri Lanka calls early presidential elections". BBC News. 20 October 2014.
  4. ↑ "Sri Lanka president calls early election". Al Jazeera. 20 November 2014.
  5. ↑ "Sri Lanka election: Health chief to challenge Rajapaksa". BBC News. 21 November 2014.
  6. ↑ "Sri Lankan minister quits, to challenge Rajapaksa for presidency". Reuters. 21 November 2014.
  7. ↑ Ben, Doherty; Munk, David (9 January 2015). "Sri Lanka election: president Mahinda Rajapaksa concedes defeat — live". The Guardian.
  8. ↑ Sundarji, Padma Rao; Jacob, Jayanth Jacob (9 January 2015). "Mighty Rajapaksa stunned, Sirisena is new Lanka Prez". Hindustan Times.
  9. ↑ "Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa suffers shock election defeat". BBC News. 9 January 2015.
  10. ↑ Koutsoukis, Jason (10 January 2015). "Sri Lanka election: shock result as president Mahinda Rajapaksa is tossed out". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  11. ↑ Pasricha, Anjana (9 January 2015). "Sri Lanka Swears In New President". Voice of America.
  12. ↑ Hume, Tim; Athas, Iqbal (9 January 2015). "Sri Lanka's Mahinda Rajapaksa concedes defeat in presidential elections". CNN.
  13. ↑ Kumar, Nikhil (9 January 2015). "Sri Lanka Looks to Chart a New Course After Ousting Mahinda Rajapaksa". Time (magazine).
  14. ↑ "Sri Lanka election winner Sirisena pledges to reform the state". The Japan Times. 9 January 2015.
  15. 1 2 "Sri Lanka to investigate Rajapaksa 'coup and conspiracy' attempt". Deutsche Welle. 11 January 2015.
  16. 1 2 Warnakulasuriya, Deepal (20 October 2014). "Presidential Election due in January-2015". The Nation (Sri Lanka).
  17. 1 2 Aneez, Shihar; Sirilal, Ranga (5 November 2014). "Sri Lankan president seeks Supreme Court nod for third term". Reuters.
  18. 1 2 "PART I : SECTION (I) — GENERAL Proclamations, & c., by the President BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT Proclamation" (PDF). The Sri Lanka Gazette (1889/31). 20 November 2014.
  19. 1 2 "SL presidential election to be held on January 08, 2015". TamilNet. 21 November 2014.
  20. 1 2 Mallawarachi, Bharatha (8 December 2014). "19 Candidates Vie for Sri Lankan Presidency". ABC News. Associated Press.
  21. 1 2 "Video: Presidential Election postal voting on Dec 23, 24". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 25 November 2014.
  22. 1 2 "Postal Voting on December 23 and 24". Ceylon Today. 26 November 2014.
  23. ↑ "Sri Lanka's Mahinda Rajapaksa faces crucial poll". BBC News. 8 January 2015.
  24. ↑ "Sri Lanka's election: dog heads, threats and Charlie Hebdo". Channel 4 News. 8 January 2015.
  25. ↑ "Voting ends in peaceful manner". Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka). 8 January 2015.
  26. ↑ "Voting for Presidential Poll begins". Government of Sri Lanka. 8 January 2015.
  27. ↑ "Sri Lanka election: Maithripala Sirisena elected president in surprise result - as it happened". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  28. 1 2 "Sirisena sworn in as Sri Lanka president". Al Jazeera. 9 January 2015.
  29. 1 2 "Maithri sworn in". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 9 January 2015.
  30. ↑ Bastians, Dharisha (2 January 2014). "Constitutional tangles in an election year". Daily FT.
  31. ↑ "Presidential election to be held first". TamilNet. 23 November 2009.
  32. ↑ "Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa hails victory". BBC News. 28 January 2010.
  33. ↑ "Mahinda Rajapakse declared sixth executive president of Sri Lanka". TamilNet. 27 January 2010.
  34. ↑ "Sri Lanka court extends President Rajapaksa's tenure". BBC News. 2 February 2010.
  35. ↑ "Rajapaksa's second term begins from November 2010: SL Supreme Court". TamilNet. 2 February 2010.
  36. ↑ Haviland, Charles (19 November 2010). "Sri Lanka's President Rajapaksa sworn in for new term". BBC News.
  37. ↑ "Sri Lanka MPs vote in sweeping powers for president". BBC News. 8 September 2010.
  38. ↑ "Presidential poll in January confirmed". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 20 October 2014.
  39. ↑ Fernando, Susitha R. (29 August 2014). "President Rajapaksa cannot contest for 3rd term, former CJ". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  40. ↑ Jabbar, Zacki (7 November 2014). "Lawyers opposing denied opportunity to file SC motions". The Island (Sri Lanka).
  41. ↑ Edirisinghe, Dasun (26 September 2014). "JVP vehemently opposes President seeking a third term". The Island (Sri Lanka).
  42. ↑ "Rajapaksa seeks court opinion for third term in office". The Hindu. Press Trust of India. 5 November 2014.
  43. ↑ Ondaatjie, Anusha (11 November 2014). "Rajapaksa May Seek Third Term as Sri Lanka Leader: Court". Bloomberg News.
  44. ↑ Aneez, Shihar; Sirilal, Ranga (11 November 2014). "Sri Lanka's Supreme Court okays president's third term". Reuters.
  45. ↑ Ondaatjie, Anusha (21 November 2014). "Sri Lankan president to face challenge from ally". Chicago Tribune.
  46. ↑ "Minister defects to challenge Rajapaksa". The Peninsula (newspaper). Agence France-Presse. 22 November 2014.
  47. ↑ "Sri Lanka's Rajapakse gets court nod to seek third term". The Malay Mail. Agence France-Presse. 11 November 2014.
  48. ↑ Parussini, Gabriele (20 November 2014). "Sri Lankan President Calls for Early Elections". The Wall Street Journal.
  49. ↑ Mallawarachi, Bharatha (20 November 2014). "Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa calls snap election amid row over his wide-ranging powers". The Independent. Associated Press.
  50. ↑ "Presidential poll Jan. 8; Nominations on Dec. 8". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 21 November 2014.
  51. ↑ "15m registered voters for polls". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 23 November 2014.
  52. ↑ Somawardana, Melissa (24 November 2014). "Presidential Election: Accepting of deposits to commence today". News First.
  53. ↑ "Sri Lanka not to invite UN monitors for presidential polls". The Hindu. Indo-Asian News Service. 25 November 2014.
  54. ↑ Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka: Election for President (President) IFES
  55. ↑ "The election for the Seventh President of Sri Lanka will be held today". Asian Tribune. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  56. ↑ "Pope's visit in the balance: Cardinal writes to President". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 19 October 2014.
  57. ↑ Bastians, Dharisha (13 November 2014). "Don't politicise Pope's visit, urges Church". Daily FT.
  58. ↑ "'Don't Politicise Pope Visit to Sri Lanka'". The New Indian Express. Press Trust of India. 12 September 2014.
  59. ↑ Surendraraj, Joshua (23 November 2014). "Pope's visit: Church depends on God". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka).
  60. ↑ Sirilal, Ranga; Aneez, Shihar (25 November 2014). "Sri Lanka's Catholic Church urges government not to use pope's visit to help election campaign". Reuters.
  61. ↑ "Sri Lankan church: Pope's visit not political, campaign posters of Francis should be removed". Fox News Channel. Associated Press. 24 November 2014.
  62. ↑ "Sri Lanka Catholics, monitor condemn use of pope's image on election posters". Union of Catholic Asian News. 25 November 2014.
  63. ↑ "Don't use Pope's visit for political gains: Lanka Church". Zee News. Press Trust of India. 23 November 2014.
  64. ↑ Perera, Yohan; Jayasekera, Sandun A. (28 December 2014). "Floods: 24 killed, eight missing". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  65. ↑ Fazlulhaq, Nadia (28 December 2014). "Calamity in 18 districts; 21 killed, one million displaced". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka).
  66. ↑ "Poll monitor writes to Election Commissioner regarding impact of current floods on voting". Colombo Page. 28 December 2014.
  67. ↑ "Jan 8, fixed to hold the election". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 28 December 2014.
  68. ↑ Edirisinghe, Dasun (31 December 2014). "No reason for postponing election – Polls Chief". The Island (Sri Lanka).
  69. ↑ "Rajapaksa, Sirisena, 17 others hand over nominations for SL presidency". TamilNet. 8 December 2014.
  70. ↑ "Nominations for Presidential Polls close". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 8 December 2014.
  71. ↑ Jayakody, Ruwan Laknath (21 October 2014). "Mahinda in the Fray". Ceylon Today.
  72. ↑ "Party rebel to challenge Rajapaksa". The Gulf Today. Agence France-Presse. 22 November 2014.
  73. ↑ "Tamil party to support Rajapaksa in polls". The Hindu. Press Trust of India. 16 October 2014.
  74. ↑ "Communist Party pledges its support for President Rajapaksa". The Island (Sri Lanka). 13 November 2014.
  75. ↑ Herath, Anuradha (5 November 2014). "But wants Exec. Presidency abolished". Ceylon Today.
  76. ↑ "Wimal to back MR". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 19 October 2014.
  77. ↑ "NUW pledges support for President Rajapaksa at upcoming elections". News First. 25 October 2014.
  78. ↑ "Upcountry Tamil party to support President at elections". Daily FT. 11 November 2014.
  79. ↑ Edirisinghe, Dasun (9 December 2014). "Tissa, Ketagoda join UPFA". The Island (Sri Lanka).
  80. ↑ Panchalingam, Ariram (8 December 2014). "Tissa and Ketagoda to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa". News First.
  81. ↑ "Tissa sworn in as Health Minister". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 11 December 2014.
  82. ↑ "Tissa Attanayake sworn in as Minister of Health". The Nation (Sri Lanka). 11 December 2014.
  83. ↑ Jayakody, Ruwan Laknath (25 December 2014). "BBS pledges support to MR". Ceylon Today.
  84. ↑ "JHU breaks away from Rajapaksa's ruling UPFA". TamilNet. 18 November 2014.
  85. ↑ "Buddhist party quits Sri Lanka government". Al Jazeera. 18 November 2014.
  86. ↑ "Key Rajapaksa ally quits Lanka's ruling coalition". Zee News. Agence France-Presse. 18 November 2014.
  87. ↑ "Huge crowd at campaign against Ex. Presidency". DailyMirror Sri Lanka. 12 November 2014.
  88. ↑ Srinivasan, Meera (22 December 2014). "Rajapaksa's Muslim ally defects to opposition". The Hindu.
  89. ↑ "Sri Lanka's biggest Muslim party ditches Rajapaksa". The Guardian. Associated Press. 28 December 2014.
  90. ↑ "SLMC to support Sirisena, Hakeem resigns ministerial portfolio". TamilNet. 28 December 2014.
  91. ↑ "MR launches manifesto". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 23 December 2014.
  92. ↑ "Sri Lankan President launches election manifesto". Colombo Page. 23 December 2014.
  93. 1 2 3 "As crucial election nears, main candidates gear up for final lap". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 28 December 2014.
  94. ↑ "Sri Lankan leader promises reforms to presidency". The New Zealand Herald. Associated Press. 24 December 2014.
  95. ↑ "Mahinda's Vision - The World Winning Path". mahinda2015.com. p. 17.
  96. ↑ "Mahinda's Vision - The World Winning Path". mahinda2015.com. p. 25.
  97. ↑ Srinivasan, Meera (23 December 2014). "Ahead of polls, Rajapaksa promises inquiry into war crime allegations". The Hindu.
  98. ↑ "Sri Lanka's president 'promises' inquiry into death of civilians". The Malay Mail. Agence France-Presse. 23 December 2014.
  99. ↑ "Mahinda's Vision - The World Winning Path". mahinda2015.com. p. 14.
  100. ↑ "Extremist Buddhist movement in Sri Lanka says Ranil is the most suitable common candidate". Colombo Page. 19 November 2014.
  101. ↑ "Who should the opposition field as common candidate at Presidential Election?". Ada Derana. 3 October 2014.
  102. ↑ "I'm the common candidate: Maithripala". Daily Mirror. 21 November 2014.
  103. ↑ Dalima, Bella (21 November 2014). "UNP to extend their support to Maithirpala Sirisena". News First.
  104. ↑ "Maithiripala Sirisena of SLFP emerges as common opposition candidate contesting Rajapaksa". TamilNet. 21 November 2014.
  105. ↑ Edirisinghe, Dasun (22 November 2014). "Maithripala promises to scrap presidency within 100 days". The Island (Sri Lanka).
  106. ↑ "Maithripala named common candidate". The Nation (Sri Lanka). 21 November 2014.
  107. ↑ Dalima, Bella (21 November 2014). "I am the common candidate: Maithripala Sirisena". News First.
  108. ↑ "Chandrika, Rajitha, Arjuna, Rajeeva, M K D S and Dumindha Dissanayaka join Maithripala". Hiru News. 21 November 2014.
  109. ↑ "SLFP rebels stripped of posts and party membership". The Nation (Sri Lanka). 21 November 2014.
  110. ↑ "Sri Lanka Presidential Election Set for January 8 Next Year". NDTV. Press Trust of India. 21 November 2014.
  111. ↑ "Maithripala and others sacked". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 21 November 2014.
  112. ↑ Ferdinando, Shamindra (1 December 2014). "Navin joins Opp campaign to abolish presidency". The Island.
  113. ↑ "Opposition parties launch bid to topple Rajapakse". Gulf Times. Agence France-Presse. 30 November 2014.
  114. ↑ Ferdinando, Shamindra (11 December 2014). "Two deputy ministers quit; CWC suffers split". The Island.
  115. ↑ "Digambaram, Radhakrishnan back Maithripala". The Nation (Sri Lanka). 10 December 2014.
  116. ↑ Srinivasan, Meera (1 January 2015). "Deputy Minister in Rajapaksa govt. defects to Opposition". The Hindu.
  117. ↑ "Sri Lanka's casino champion switches to opposition". Daily Mail. Agence France-Presse. 31 December 2014.
  118. ↑ "Video: Nandimithra Ekanayake for Maitri". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 1 January 2015.
  119. ↑ Warnakulasuriya, Deepal (1 January 2015). "Deputy Minister Nandimithra joins Maithri camp". The Nation (Sri Lanka).
  120. ↑ "Achala Jagoda joins Maithri". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 2 January 2015.
  121. ↑ "Achala Jagoda to support Maithri". The Nation (Sri Lanka). 2 January 2015.
  122. ↑ Bastians, Dharisha (22 November 2014). "No Maithri for Mahinda". Daily FT.
  123. ↑ Mallawarachi, Bharatha (21 November 2014). "Sri Lanka leader to face health minister in polls". San Francisco Chronicle. Associated Press.
  124. ↑ Srinivasan, Meera (22 November 2014). "Chandrika returns to politics". The Hindu.
  125. ↑ Srinivasan, Meera (1 December 2014). "Sri Lankan Opposition closes ranks". The Hindu.
  126. ↑ Mudugamuwa, Maheesha (2 December 2014). "Opposition parties inkpact; JHU, JVP absent". The Island (Sri Lanka).
  127. ↑ Bastians, Dharisha (2 December 2014). "Common cry!". Daily FT.
  128. ↑ Balachandran, P. K. (2 December 2014). "Lankan Opposition Parties Enter Into Pre-election MoU". The New Indian Express.
  129. ↑ Pothmulla, Lahiru (2 December 2014). "Video: JHU for Maithri; Champika". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  130. ↑ "JHU backs Common Candidate". The Nation (Sri Lanka). 2 December 2014.
  131. ↑ "Tamil party endorses opposition in Lanka elections". Gulf Times. Agence France-Presse. 30 December 2014.
  132. ↑ "Video: Maithri makes deposit; Contests under 'swan'". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 2 December 2014.
  133. ↑ Moramudali, Umesh (2 December 2014). "Common Candidate to contest under 'Swan'". Ceylon Today.
  134. ↑ "Jolted UPFA takes countermeasures; Maithripala campaign begins today". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 30 November 2014.
  135. ↑ "Video: Maithri launches manifesto". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 19 December 2014.
  136. ↑ Imtiaz, Zahrah (20 December 2014). "Maithri's 100-day 3 phase manifesto". Ceylon Today.
  137. 1 2 "'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country'" (PDF). maithripalas.com. p. 14.
  138. ↑ Bastians, Dharisha (20 December 2014). "Maithri's majestic manifesto". Daily FT.
  139. 1 2 "'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country'" (PDF). maithripalas.com. p. 16.
  140. 1 2 3 4 Aneez, Shihar (19 December 2014). "Sri Lanka presidential challenger vows to cancel Crown casino license". Reuters.
  141. ↑ "'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country'" (PDF). maithripalas.com. p. 44.
  142. 1 2 "Sri Lanka opposition to address war crimes concerns". Arab News. Agence France-Presse. 19 December 2014.
  143. ↑ "'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country'" (PDF). maithripalas.com. p. 31.
  144. ↑ "'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country'" (PDF). maithripalas.com. p. 56.
  145. ↑ "'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country'" (PDF). maithripalas.com. p. 36.
  146. ↑ "'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country'" (PDF). maithripalas.com. p. 40.
  147. ↑ "'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country'" (PDF). maithripalas.com. p. 24.
  148. ↑ "Sri Lanka opposition vows to withdraw casino tax breaks". Daily Mail. Agence France-Presse. 19 December 2014.
  149. ↑ "'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country'" (PDF). maithripalas.com. p. 53.
  150. ↑ "Sri Lanka elections: Sirisena pledges war crime inquiry". The Hindu. Associated Press. 19 December 2014.
  151. ↑ "Nineteen candidates file nominations". The Nation (Sri Lanka). 8 December 2014.
  152. 1 2 3 4 "Presidential Election 2015". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 7 December 2014.
  153. ↑ "Sarath Manamendra pledges support to Rajapaksa". The Nation (Sri Lanka). 30 December 2014.
  154. ↑ "Manamendra to back MR". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 30 December 2014.
  155. ↑ "UPFA, NDF all set for do-or-die battle on Jan. 8". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 7 December 2014.
  156. ↑ "Update Briefing Asia Briefing N°145 - Sri Lanka's Presidential Election: Risks and Opportunities". International Crisis Group. 9 December 2014. p. 5.
  157. ↑ "IOR 41/041/2014 UN Human Rights Council: Forum on Minority Issues - Seventh Session 25 – 26 November 2014". Amnesty International. 26 November 2014.
  158. ↑ "Police inaction despite evidence spirals attacks on Opposition supporters". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 7 December 2014.
  159. ↑ "Transparency International Sri Lanka lists polls violations". Daily FT. 16 December 2014.
  160. ↑ Jayasinghe, Uditha (12 December 2014). ""Shameless" violations, say monitors". Daily FT.
  161. ↑ Edirisinghe, Dasun (16 December 2014). "UPFA accuses some monitors of being biased in favour of opposition candidate". The Island (Sri Lanka).
  162. ↑ "Sri Lanka ruling party accuses election monitors of bias". Business Standard. Press Trust of India. 15 December 2014.
  163. ↑ Domínguez, Gabriel (11 December 2014). "Sri Lankan election - 'The tighter the race, the more violent it threatens to be'". Deutsche Welle.
  164. ↑ Srinivasan, Meera (11 December 2014). "2 more MPs leave Rajapaksa government". The Hindu.
  165. ↑ Crabtree, James (22 December 2014). "Sri Lanka's leader pledges peaceful handover should he lose election". Financial Times.
  166. ↑ "As Sri Lanka heads to polls, UN chief calls for 'peaceful and credible' election". UN News Centre. 29 December 2014.
  167. ↑ "UN chief urges peaceful Sri Lanka vote". Daily Times (Pakistan). Agence France-Presse. 31 December 2014.
  168. ↑ "Commonwealth to observe Sri Lanka election". Commonwealth Secretariat. 29 December 2014.
  169. ↑ "UN and Commonwealth call for peaceful Sri Lanka poll". Vatican Radio. 30 December 2014.
  170. ↑ "Joint Local Statement on Sri Lanka's Presidential E lection process" (PDF). European Union. 2 January 2015.
  171. ↑ "EU Asks Lanka to Hold Peaceful, Credible Polls". The New Indian Express. Press Trust of India. 2 January 2015.
  172. ↑ "Sri Lankan government uses violence to deter opposition activities, election monitor charges". Colombo Page. 1 January 2015.
  173. ↑ Rubatheesan, S. (28 December 2014). "Police allowing attacks on Opposition, watchdog charges". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka).
  174. ↑ "Presidential Election 2015 Violence Sheet" (PDF). People's Action for Free and Fair Elections. 3 January 2015.
  175. ↑ Siriwardana, Ajith (7 January 2015). "Rise in major incidents of election violence: CMEV". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  176. ↑ Rasooldeen, M. D. (4 January 2015). "Pre-poll violations on the rise in Sri Lanka". Arab News.
  177. ↑ Koutsoukis, Jason (2 January 2015). "Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa regime losing its grip". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  178. ↑ "Sri Lankan opposition claims army is trying to deter Tamil voters in north and east". Radio Australia. Agence France-Presse. 2 January 2015.
  179. ↑ "Sri Lanka monitors fear voter intimidation before election". Daily Mail. Agence France-Presse. 4 January 2015.
  180. ↑ "Video: Peaceful poll: EC". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 8 January 2015.
  181. ↑ "Poll monitors say voters obstructed in northern Sri Lanka". The Hindu. Associated Press. 8 January 2015.
  182. ↑ "Lanka ex-president warns of election 'skulduggery'". Gulf Times. Agence France-Presse. 16 December 2014.
  183. ↑ "Over 100 election monitors to arrive in Sri Lanka". Colombo Page. 15 December 2014.
  184. ↑ "Over 100 election monitors to arrive in Sri Lanka". Daily FT. 16 December 2014.
  185. ↑ Kuruwita, Rathindra (10 December 2014). "1,200 counting centres for presidential election Polls monitors offered only 300". Ceylon Today.
  186. ↑ "Observers Say Polls Not Fully Democratic". The Sunday Leader. 11 January 2015.
  187. ↑ "Sri Lanka's presidential elections were flawed says Commonwealth observers". Deccan Chronicle. Press Trust of India. 11 January 2015.
  188. ↑ "Buddhist Vihara of JHU parliamentarian attacked in South". TamilNet. 20 November 2014.
  189. ↑ "Stone attack at Sadaham Sewana Vihara of Rathana thero". Ceylon Today. 20 November 2014.
  190. ↑ "Ratana Thera stands his ground, refuses to hand over ashram". The Island (Sri Lanka). 21 November 2014.
  191. ↑ "Cross over celebration ends in shooting". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 21 November 2014.
  192. ↑ Jayawardana, Sandun (23 November 2014). "suspects at large". The Nation (Sri Lanka).
  193. ↑ "Two Shooting incidents in Madampe- CaFFE". Ceylon Today. 23 November 2014.
  194. ↑ "Two houses attacked in Madampe". Ada Derana. 23 November 2014.
  195. ↑ "Shooting at Katugasthota Mawilmada office". Ceylon Today. 25 November 2014.
  196. ↑ Wimalasurendre, Cyril (26 November 2014). "UNP MP's office shot at". The Island (Sri Lanka).
  197. ↑ "Employees of Sirisena's brother attacked by unidentified group". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 30 November 2014.
  198. ↑ Jayakody, Ruwan Laknath; Gooneratne, Lankesh (1 December 2014). "Govt. goes after Sirisena's campaign". Ceylon Today.
  199. ↑ Kuruwita, Rathindra; Indrakumar, Menaka (2 December 2014). "Govt. goons attack Opposition supporters after maiden rally". Ceylon Today.
  200. ↑ "Crossed over ruling party politician assaulted in Sri Lanka". Colombo Page. 2 December 2014.
  201. ↑ Wijeweera, Sajeewa (17 December 2014). "Maithri's rally sabotaged". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  202. ↑ Santiago, Melanie (17 December 2014). "Galle stage set to hold presidential candidate's rally set ablaze". News First.
  203. ↑ "Muthuhettigama kidnaps suspects of Wanduramba attack- CaFFE". Ceylon Today. 19 December 2014.
  204. ↑ Sugathapala, D. G. (19 December 2014). "Muthuhettigama tries to take away arson suspects". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  205. ↑ "Muthuhettigama flies to Singapore". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 26 December 2014.
  206. ↑ "Sri Lankan Deputy Minister defies court order for arrest, leaves for Singapore". Colombo Page. 26 December 2014.
  207. ↑ Thomas, Kavindya Chris; Indrakumar, Menaka (27 December 2014). "Muthuhettigama jumps to Singapore The great Escape". Ceylon Today.
  208. ↑ "Muthu arrested on arrival". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 28 December 2014.
  209. ↑ "Muthuhettigama arrested". Ceylon Today. 28 December 2014.
  210. ↑ Udakandage, Pabasari (29 December 2014). "Muthuhettigama released on bail". Ceylon Today.
  211. ↑ Sugathapala, D. G. (29 December 2014). "Mutuhettigama released on bail". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  212. ↑ "Govt. goons, UNP supporters clash outside Sirikotha". Daily FT. 25 December 2014.
  213. ↑ Kuruwita, Rathindra (25 December 2014). "WAR at SIRIKOTHA". Ceylon Today.
  214. ↑ Perera, Yohan; Sanjeewa, Darshana (24 December 2014). "Tense situ at Sirikotha". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  215. ↑ "Video: Wimal accuses media over Sirikotha clash". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 25 December 2014.
  216. ↑ Indrakumar, Menaka; Thomas, Kavindya Chris (22 December 2014). "UNP-UPFA clash in Haputale". Ceylon Today.
  217. ↑ "UPFA-UNP clash in Haputale: Five UNP supporters injured". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 20 December 2014.
  218. ↑ Jayaruk, Krishan Jeewaka (21 December 2014). "Opposition attacked at Hambantota protest". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  219. ↑ Kuruwita, Rathindra; Thomas, Kavindya Chris (22 December 2014). "'Toy-Gun' Mayor flexes his muscles". Ceylon Today.
  220. ↑ "Hambantota Mayor arrested". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 22 December 2014.
  221. ↑ Doole, Cassendra (23 December 2014). "'Toy gun' Mayor Eraj arrested". Ceylon Today.
  222. ↑ Wijeratne, Premalal (25 December 2014). "Toy gun Mayor out on bail". Ceylon Today.
  223. ↑ Riza, Shaahidah; Wijeratne, Premalal (25 December 2014). "Goons Target Maithri Campaign". Ceylon Today.
  224. ↑ "Gunshot fired at Maithri's election rally stage". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 24 December 2014.
  225. ↑ "Common candidate's office in Batticaloa attacked". Colombo Page. 26 December 2014.
  226. ↑ Indrakumar, Menaka (28 December 2014). "CBK, Hirunika attacked with stones". Ceylon Today.
  227. ↑ "STF deployed in Beruwela after clash between supporters of opposition parties". Colombo Page. 28 December 2014.
  228. ↑ "Opposition candidate's election office attacked in Trincomalee". Colombo Page. 29 December 2014.
  229. ↑ Riza, Shaahidah (30 December 2014). "Maithri supporters attacked". Ceylon Today.
  230. ↑ Gunasekara, Jehan (29 December 2014). "Maithri's Mahiyangana office attacked". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  231. ↑ Wijeyesinghe, Chathushika; Sanjeewa, Darshana (29 December 2014). "Young artistes supporting Maithri attacked". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  232. ↑ Wijeyesinghe, Chathushika (30 December 2014). "Artistes tell of horrors in MR 'Disneyland'". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  233. ↑ "Election monitor attacked in Sri Lanka as Buddhist monks of opposing groups clash". Colombo Page. 30 December 2014.
  234. ↑ "Sri Lanka opposition candidate escapes stoning". Arab News. Agence France-Presse. 3 January 2015.
  235. ↑ "Stones pelted at Maithri's Pelmadulla rally". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 2 January 2015.
  236. ↑ "Maithri's Pelmadulla rally attacked; several injured". The Nation (Sri Lanka). 2 January 2015.
  237. ↑ Borham, Maneshka (3 January 2015). "Shots fired at PC member Wendaruwa's house". The Nation (Sri Lanka).
  238. ↑ Irugalbandara, Ramesh (3 January 2015). "Shots fired at Provincial Councillor Wasantha Wendaruwa's residence". News First.
  239. ↑ "Sri Lanka opposition faces bullets ahead of key vote". Arab News. Agence France-Presse. 3 January 2015.
  240. ↑ Srinivasan, Meera (4 January 2015). "Gunshots 'heard' after Sirisena rally". The Hindu.
  241. ↑ "Three injured in election shooting at Kahawatta". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 5 January 2015.
  242. ↑ "Magistrate orders arrest of Dy Minister Jayasekara". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 5 January 2015.
  243. ↑ "Kahawatta shooting: one dead". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 7 January 2015.
  244. ↑ "Kahawatta shooting victim succumbs to injuries". The Nation (Sri Lanka). 7 January 2015.
  245. ↑ "Election Day Is 'Peaceful' – Three incidents of using grenades". Sri Lanka Guardian. 8 January 2015.
  246. ↑ "Two women struck by UPFA Deputy Minister in the Attanagalle Electorate, three grenade explosions- CMEV". Colombo Page. 8 January 2015.
  247. ↑ Sri Lanka's television service providers accused of blocking the common candidate's first interview ColomboPage 22 November 2014
  248. ↑ "Journalist allegedly assaulted by UPFA supporters threatened in hospital". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 7 December 2014.
  249. ↑ Jayawardana, Sandun (30 November 2014). "Ravaya lead rubbished 'We stand by our story' -- Ravaya". The Nation (Sri Lanka).
  250. ↑ Ferdinando, Shamindra (10 December 2014). "Ravaya editor questioned over report on prez poll outcome". The Island (Sri Lanka).
  251. ↑ "Ravaya editor questioned by CID". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 9 December 2014.
  252. ↑ Karunarathne, Waruni (14 December 2014). "Law-less' Election?". The Sunday Leader.
  253. ↑ "Ravaya Editor grilled by CID over election survey story". Daily FT. 10 December 2014.
  254. ↑ Srinivasan, Meera (8 December 2014). "Rajapaksa, Sirisena file nominations as countdown begins for polls". The Hindu.
  255. ↑ "Winning votes: Sinhalese v Tamils". Tamil Guardian. 8 December 2014.
  256. ↑ "Sri Lanka: Mahinda takes over all TV channels". Sri Lanka Guardian. 2 January 2015.
  257. ↑ Fernando, Lahiru (2 January 2015). "Maithripala Sirisena's lawyer questions airing of "Janapathi Janahamuwa" programme". News First.
  258. ↑ Fernando, Susitha; Farisz, Hafeel (5 January 2015). "Court bars President's TV show". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  259. ↑ Farisz, Hafeel; Sanjeewa, Darshana (7 January 2015). "Journalist assaulted". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  260. ↑ Warnakulasuriya, Deepal (7 January 2015). "Daily Mirror journalist attacked". The Nation (Sri Lanka).
  261. ↑ "Transparency Intl. Sri Lanka exposes pre-Presidential poll violations". Daily FT. 4 December 2014.
  262. ↑ "TISL complains to Elections Commissioner: RDA staff used for election propaganda work". Sunday Island (Sri Lanka). 7 December 2014.
  263. ↑ "Transparency International of Sri Lanka complains against President's massive violations of election regulations". Colombo Page. 15 December 2014.
  264. ↑ "TISL writes to Transport Secy. over misuse of SLTB buses for polls work". Daily FT. 17 December 2014.
  265. ↑ "Transparency International complains against massive violations of election regulations". Daily FT. 16 December 2014.
  266. ↑ "Lanka's Election Commission raps state TV for being biased". Zee News. Press Trust of India. 12 December 2014.
  267. ↑ "Sri Lanka state TV warned over election coverage bias". The Peninsula (newspaper). Agence France-Presse. 14 December 2014.
  268. ↑ "TISL releases observations on misuse of public resources for Presidential poll". Daily FT. 20 December 2014.
  269. ↑ Rubathesan, S. (26 October 2014). "Presidential polls ahoy — All hands on deck at the SLPA". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka).
  270. ↑ Jabbar, Zacki (22 October 2014). "Govt. abusing Ports authority funds, staff, premises for presidential election – Yogarajan". The Island (Sri Lanka).
  271. ↑ Kamalendran, Chris (30 November 2014). "Port workers for poll work; labour hired; officials deny". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka).
  272. ↑ "Election violence and violation of election laws". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 23 November 2014.
  273. ↑ "Political diplomats recalled for polls work". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 7 December 2014.
  274. ↑ "Monitors cry foul over UPFA using prisoners for election work". Daily FT. 16 December 2014.
  275. ↑ "Sri Lanka ruling party accused of using prisoners for election campaigns". Colombo Page. 15 December 2014.
  276. ↑ "Sri Lankan government officials openly campaigning for President violating election laws - election monitors". Colombo Page. 29 December 2014.
  277. ↑ "TISL complaints of violation of election law by state media". Daily FT. 24 December 2014.
  278. ↑ "Opposition accuses Army of political campaigning for President, Army denies". Daily FT. 20 December 2014.
  279. ↑ Haviland, Charles (3 January 2015). "Is Rajapaksa facing defeat in Sri Lanka elections?". BBC News.
  280. ↑ "Sri Lanka denies using state coffers to help Rajapaksa". Times of Oman. Agence France-Presse. 12 December 2014.
  281. ↑ "Sri Lanka denies poll allegations". Arab News. Reuters. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  282. ↑ "Sirisena to be sworn in as Sri Lanka's new president". Gulf Times. Agence France-Presse. 9 January 2015.
  283. ↑ Balachandran, P. K. (9 January 2015). "Sirisena Finally Romps Home With 51.28 Per Cent". The New Indian Express.
  284. ↑ Bastians, Dharisha (10 January 2015). "Sri Lanka blessed with Maithri". Daily FT.
  285. ↑ Somarathna, Rasika (10 January 2015). "Maithripala victorious in Presidential Poll". Daily News (Sri Lanka).
  286. ↑ Philips, Rajan (10 January 2015). "The People's Verdict: Poetic Justice and the Path Ahead". Sunday Island (Sri Lanka).
  287. ↑ "Rajapaksa concedes defeat in Sri Lanka vote". Al Jazeera. 9 January 2015.
  288. ↑ Burke, Jason (9 January 2015). "Sri Lanka election: shock as president Mahinda Rajapaksa concedes defeat". The Guardian.
  289. ↑ Srinivasan, Meera (9 January 2015). "Sri Lanka election: Rajapaksa concedes defeat". The Hindu.
  290. ↑ "President Rajapaksa leaves Temple Trees". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 9 January 2015.
  291. ↑ Ferdinando, Shamindra (10 January 2015). "MS in stunning win over MR". The Island (Sri Lanka).
  292. ↑ "Sirisena sworn in as 6th SL President". TamilNet. 9 January 2015.
  293. ↑ "Maithri refuses to take oaths before CJ?". Ceylon Today. 9 January 2015.
  294. ↑ Srinivasan, Meera (9 January 2015). "Sirisena deposes Rajapaksa". The Hindu.
  295. ↑ "Ranil new Prime Minister". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 9 January 2015.
  296. ↑ "Sri Lanka's new president appoints PM". Special Broadcasting Service. Australian Associated Press. 10 January 2015.
  297. ↑ Boyle, Darren (10 January 2015). "New Sri Lankan president vows to curtail his own power before appointing opposition leader as prime minister". Mail Online.
  298. ↑ "Presidential Election 08-01-2015 – Official Results – All Island Final Result". Department of Elections, Sri Lanka.
  299. ↑ "South Asia Sri Lanka to probe Rajapaksa 'coup' attempt". Al Jazeera. Agence France-Presse. 11 January 2015.
  300. ↑ Mallawarachi, Bharatha (11 January 2015). "Sri Lanka to Probe Alleged Coup Attempt by Ex-President". ABC News. Associated Press.
  301. ↑ Jayasekera, Sandun A. (11 January 2015). "Video: UNP - UPFA trying to destabilise". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  302. ↑ "Sri Lanka's new govt to probe Rajapaksa's 'coup' bid". The Hindu. Press Trust of India. 11 January 2015.
  303. ↑ Burke, Jason; Perera, Amantha (10 January 2015). "Sri Lanka's new president promises 'no more abductions, no more censorship'". The Guardian.
  304. ↑ "Gota Flees To Maldives By Air Force Plane". Colombo Telegraph. 9 January 2015.
  305. ↑ "MR Plots To Prevent His Regime's Corruption From Being Revealed". Colombo Telegraph. 11 January 2015.
  306. ↑ "Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa 'sought army help after poll defeat'". BBC News. 1 January 2015.
  307. ↑ Aneez, Shihar (11 January 2015). "Sri Lanka army defied order to keep Mahinda Rajapaksa in power, says aid". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  308. ↑ Fairclough, Gordon (11 January 2015). "Rajapaksa Sought Help 'By Force,' Opponents Say". The Wall Street Journal.
  309. ↑ "Cabraal resigns". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 9 January 2015.
  310. ↑ "Cabraal, Dilan resign". The Island (Sri Lanka). 10 January 2015.
  311. ↑ "Treasury Secretary flies to Singapore, CB Governor Cabraal stepping down". The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka). 9 January 2015. Archived from the original on 9 January 2015.
  312. ↑ "Arjuna Mahendran new Treasury Secretary". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 11 January 2015.
  313. ↑ "Basnayake new Defense Secretary". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 10 January 2015.
  314. ↑ "B.M.U.D. Basnayake appointed new Defence Secretary". Sunday Island (Sri Lanka). 11 January 2015.
  315. ↑ "The Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC" (PDF). Colombo Stock Exchange. 9 January 2015.
  316. ↑ Adhikari, Deepa (11 January 2015). "Basil, Dudley leave country". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  317. ↑ "'Govt. officials renewing US visas to help elect MR'". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 4 January 2015.
  318. ↑ "Sri Lanka main opposition criticizes government's proposals for granting dual citizenship". Colombo Page. 2 November 2014.
  319. ↑ Adhikari, Deepa (11 January 2015). "Sri Lankan diplomats leave". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  320. ↑ "Two senior military officers return". Sunday Island (Sri Lanka). 11 January 2015.
  321. ↑ "Rajapaksa Henchmen Rajpal And Dinesh Missing". Colombo Telegraph. 10 January 2015.
  322. ↑ "Sri Lanka's press welcome Sirisena". Hindustan Times. Agence France-Presse. 10 January 2015.
  323. ↑ "SLRC Chairman assumes duties". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 11 January 2015.
  324. ↑ Perera, Yohan; Desmond, Sanath (11 January 2015). "Video: None will be spared: JHU". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  325. ↑ Ferdinando, Shamindra (11 January 2015). "UPFA promises "unconditional" support for 100-day program". Sunday Island (Sri Lanka).
  326. ↑ Desmond, Santh (10 January 2015). "Video: UPFA supports Common Opposition's 100-day programme". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka).
  327. ↑ "Come join us to form unity Govt: President". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 11 January 2015.
  328. ↑ "Over 20 SLFP MPs pledge support to President Sirisena". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 11 January 2015.
  329. ↑ "Several Lankan MPs Cross Over to Sirisena Camp as Rival Central Committees Meet". The New Indian Express. Express News Service. 11 January 2015.
  330. ↑ "Maithri secures Parliamentary majority". The Nation (Sri Lanka). 11 January 2015.
  331. ↑ "Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Sri Lanka's presidential elections". United Nations Secretariat. 9 January 2015.
  332. ↑ "Ban Ready To Work With Maithri". The Sunday Leader. 11 January 2015.
  333. ↑ "Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the presidential elections in Sri Lanka". European Union. 9 January 2015.
  334. ↑ "EU congrats president Maithripala Sirisena". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 10 January 2015.
  335. ↑ "Sri Lanka: Presidential Elections". Minister for Foreign Affairs (Australia). 10 January 2015.
  336. ↑ "Australia keen to work with new government to develop strong bilateral relationship — Foreign Affairs Minister". Sunday Island (Sri Lanka). 11 January 2015.
  337. ↑ Wahlquist, Calla (11 January 2015). "Tony Abbott calls new Sri Lankan leader to emphasise cooperation on boats". The Guardian.
  338. ↑ "Abbott heralds new Sri Lanka president". Special Broadcasting Service. Australian Associated Press. 11 January 2015.
  339. ↑ "Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei's Regular Press Conference on January 9, 2015". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. 9 January 2015.
  340. ↑ "China congratulates President Sirisena". The Island (Sri Lanka). 10 January 2015.
  341. ↑ "Modi congratulates Maithri". The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka). 9 January 2015.
  342. ↑ Borham, Maneshka (9 January 2015). "Modi congratulates Maithri". The Nation (Sri Lanka).
  343. ↑ "Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the Presidential Election in Sri Lanka". Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan). 9 January 2015.
  344. ↑ "Japan congratulates Sirisena, commends smooth transition of power". The Island (Sri Lanka). 10 January 2015.
  345. ↑ "Prime Minister Solberg congratulates Sri Lanka's new president". Prime Minister of Norway. 9 January 2015.
  346. ↑ "Norway, Australia Offer Support". The Sunday Leader. 11 January 2015.
  347. ↑ "Prime Minister congratulates the new Sri Lankan President". Prime Minister's Office. 9 January 2015.
  348. ↑ "David Cameron congratulates Maithripala Sirisena". Sunday Island (Sri Lanka). 11 January 2015.
  349. ↑ "Philip Hammond today congratulated the newly elected President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena". Foreign and Commonwealth Office. 9 January 2015.
  350. ↑ "Opportunity for SL to grow and "reflect the wishes of all its people" says UK Foreign Secretary". Tamil Guardian. 9 January 2015.
  351. ↑ "Statement by the President on the Election in Sri Lanka". White House. 9 January 2015.
  352. ↑ "President Barack Obama on Sri Lanka's presidential election". Sunday Island (Sri Lanka). 11 January 2015.
  353. ↑ "Conclusion of Sri Lankan Elections and Election of Maithripala Sirisena". United States Department of State. 8 January 2015.
  354. ↑ "U.S. looks forward to working with Sri Lankan President-elect Maithripala Sirisena". The Hindu. Press Trust of India. 9 January 2015.
  355. ↑ Chalmers, John; Miglani, Sanjeev (17 January 2015). "Indian spy's role alleged in Sri Lankan president's election defeat" (US). Reuters. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  356. ↑ Singh, Neha (18 January 2015). "Sri Lanka Elections: Was India's RAW Behind Rajapaksa's Defeat?". International Business Times. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  357. ↑ "INdia`s RAW joined hands of Ranil & Chandrika to settle on Mathiri as Opposition Candidate...". Lanka Newspapers. 15 January 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  358. ↑ Chalmers, John; Miglani, Sanjeev (19 January 2015). "Indian spy expelled, accused of helping oust Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa" (Sydney). Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  359. ↑ "Beyond the rainbow revolution". The Economist. 19 January 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  360. ↑ Anthony, Jerome (18 January 2015). "Indian spy accused of helping opposition win Sri Lanka elections". International Business Times. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  361. ↑ "India denies RAW deal in Sri Lanka's recent elections" (New Delhi). Hindustan Times. 19 January 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
  362. ↑ "SL election won by the people, not by RAW-Mangala". Daily Mirror. 19 January 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2015.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sri Lankan presidential election, 2015.
General
Election manifesto
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 12/4/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.