Sri Lanka PM claims victory over ex-strongman in election

Sri Lanka’s former strongman Mahinda Rajapakse admitted his dream of a political comeback was over Tuesday, conceding defeat in parliamentary elections while his victorious rival appealed for unity. The sitting prime minister has declared victory over Rajapakse who was seeking a political come-back eight months after losing a presidential vote. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said in a statement that the majority of the people had endorsed what he called his government’s good governance and consensual politics. In results released so far from Monday’s vote, Rajapaksa’s United People’s Freedom Alliance has won 61 of the 225 seats, while Wickremesinghe’s United National Party has taken 59.

I offer my grateful thanks to all parties and individuals who worked untiringly during the election period to ensure victory for the people.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

Observers said that results from the seats still to be announced are expected to favor Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa was Sri Lanka’s leader for nine years until his Jan. 8 presidential election defeat to a former ally, Maithripala Sirisena. Sirisena, who became UPFA leader after Rajapaksa’s defeat, has vowed that he would not appoint him as prime minister. Sirisena defected from Rajapaksa’s government and formed an alliance with Wickremesinghe to defeat his leader in the presidential election. No party appears to have secured an absolute majority of 113 seats in the 225-member parliament, which will force the new government to seek out smaller allies.

My dream of becoming prime minister has faded away.

Mahinda Rajapakse