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| Sri Lanka election: Maithripala Sirisena elected president in surprise result - as it happened | Sri Lanka election: Maithripala Sirisena elected president in surprise result - as it happened |
| (21 days later) | |
| 11.50am GMT | 11.50am GMT |
| 11:50 | 11:50 |
| We are now closing this live blog charting Sri Lanka’s shock election result which ends a decade of rule by Mahinda Rajapaksa and sees the reins of presidential power being handed over to health minister Maithripala Sirisena. A full news article by our South Asia team can be read here. | We are now closing this live blog charting Sri Lanka’s shock election result which ends a decade of rule by Mahinda Rajapaksa and sees the reins of presidential power being handed over to health minister Maithripala Sirisena. A full news article by our South Asia team can be read here. |
| 11.43am GMT | 11.43am GMT |
| 11:43 | 11:43 |
| Any new president faces pitfalls and challenges. Indian news site, The Hindu, has drawn up a list of ten issues facing Sirisena here. Top of its must-do list; “restore the rule of law”. | Any new president faces pitfalls and challenges. Indian news site, The Hindu, has drawn up a list of ten issues facing Sirisena here. Top of its must-do list; “restore the rule of law”. |
| 11.02am GMT | 11.02am GMT |
| 11:02 | 11:02 |
| A fascinating piece on China stance on the election from newswire AFP. The Chinese foreign minister has welcomed Sirisena’s victory but Beijing has concerns that major economic projects could be delayed postponed, or even scrapped following the change in Sri Lanka’s leadership. Sirisena has reported to have made hostile remarks about Chinese investment following into the Island nation. | A fascinating piece on China stance on the election from newswire AFP. The Chinese foreign minister has welcomed Sirisena’s victory but Beijing has concerns that major economic projects could be delayed postponed, or even scrapped following the change in Sri Lanka’s leadership. Sirisena has reported to have made hostile remarks about Chinese investment following into the Island nation. |
| China on Friday downplayed the impact of Sri Lanka’s presidential election upset, dismissing suggestions that the stunning win by Maithripala Sirisena could shake up Beijing’s plans in the Indian Ocean. | China on Friday downplayed the impact of Sri Lanka’s presidential election upset, dismissing suggestions that the stunning win by Maithripala Sirisena could shake up Beijing’s plans in the Indian Ocean. |
| Sirisena on Thursday ousted longtime president Mahinda Rajapakse, who has relied heavily on Chinese funding for major infrastructure work in his island country. | Sirisena on Thursday ousted longtime president Mahinda Rajapakse, who has relied heavily on Chinese funding for major infrastructure work in his island country. |
| Among the major projects is Colombo Port City, Sri Lanka’s largest single foreign investment, which is under construction alongside an existing giant Chinese-built container terminal. | Among the major projects is Colombo Port City, Sri Lanka’s largest single foreign investment, which is under construction alongside an existing giant Chinese-built container terminal. |
| Beijing has been accused of seeking to develop facilities around the Indian Ocean in a “string of pearls” strategy to counter the rise of its Asian rival India and secure its own economic interests. | Beijing has been accused of seeking to develop facilities around the Indian Ocean in a “string of pearls” strategy to counter the rise of its Asian rival India and secure its own economic interests. |
| At a regular briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei congratulated Sirisena on his win and said that cooperation between the two countries “has been deepening”. | At a regular briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei congratulated Sirisena on his win and said that cooperation between the two countries “has been deepening”. |
| “Our friendship runs deep, and successive governments of Sri Lanka have had a friendship policy towards China,” Hong said, adding: “We have a good momentum there.” | “Our friendship runs deep, and successive governments of Sri Lanka have had a friendship policy towards China,” Hong said, adding: “We have a good momentum there.” |
| “We hope and we believe the new Sri Lankan government will carry on the friendly policies towards China and lend their support to relevant projects to make sure these projects are successful,” he added. | “We hope and we believe the new Sri Lankan government will carry on the friendly policies towards China and lend their support to relevant projects to make sure these projects are successful,” he added. |
| Sri Lanka is a midway point on one of the world’s busiest international shipping lanes, which Beijing wants to develop as a “maritime silk road” for the 21st Century. | Sri Lanka is a midway point on one of the world’s busiest international shipping lanes, which Beijing wants to develop as a “maritime silk road” for the 21st Century. |
| During a visit in September, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched construction of the $1.4 billion Colombo Port City, which will give Beijing a firmer foothold in the region. | During a visit in September, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched construction of the $1.4 billion Colombo Port City, which will give Beijing a firmer foothold in the region. |
| As part of the deal, China is set to gain ownership of one third of the total 233 hectares (583 acres) of reclaimed land that the new facility will occupy. | As part of the deal, China is set to gain ownership of one third of the total 233 hectares (583 acres) of reclaimed land that the new facility will occupy. |
| But the project has drawn strong criticism from Sri Lanka’s now-triumphant opposition, which last month accused China of destroying the island’s pristine beaches and warned Beijing its investment could be in jeopardy should they return to power. | But the project has drawn strong criticism from Sri Lanka’s now-triumphant opposition, which last month accused China of destroying the island’s pristine beaches and warned Beijing its investment could be in jeopardy should they return to power. |
| Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe - who is expected to return to his former post as prime minister under the new government - has said his party would take a fresh look at “haphazard reclamation” of land near Colombo harbour for a new port city. | Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe - who is expected to return to his former post as prime minister under the new government - has said his party would take a fresh look at “haphazard reclamation” of land near Colombo harbour for a new port city. |
| Hong maintained that China and Sri Lanka would “accommodate each other’s interests” and that progress would be based on consensus. | Hong maintained that China and Sri Lanka would “accommodate each other’s interests” and that progress would be based on consensus. |
| 10.54am GMT | 10.54am GMT |
| 10:54 | 10:54 |
| Here’s what we know so far about Sri Lanka’s surprise election verdict: | Here’s what we know so far about Sri Lanka’s surprise election verdict: |
| 9.26am GMT | 9.26am GMT |
| 09:26 | 09:26 |
| 9.20am GMT | 9.20am GMT |
| 09:20 | 09:20 |
| The first big official guest the new president is likely to welcome is the Pope who will arrive in the country on the 13th. Here is his official timetable as tweeted by the Vatican an hour ago. | The first big official guest the new president is likely to welcome is the Pope who will arrive in the country on the 13th. Here is his official timetable as tweeted by the Vatican an hour ago. |
| This is the finalized official schedule of the Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to Sri Lanka 12-15 January pic.twitter.com/Lp2rF70Q2l | This is the finalized official schedule of the Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis to Sri Lanka 12-15 January pic.twitter.com/Lp2rF70Q2l |
| 9.17am GMT | 9.17am GMT |
| 09:17 | 09:17 |
| The UK based organisation, Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice, who raise awareness of alleged human rights crimes in the country, has issued a lengthy statement which warns of “a very real risk of reprisals against journalists, human rights activists, and Sirisena supporters” in light of the results. | The UK based organisation, Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice, who raise awareness of alleged human rights crimes in the country, has issued a lengthy statement which warns of “a very real risk of reprisals against journalists, human rights activists, and Sirisena supporters” in light of the results. |
| The statement, which can be read in full on their website also calls on the new president to deal with ongoing war crimes allegations. | The statement, which can be read in full on their website also calls on the new president to deal with ongoing war crimes allegations. |
| 8.45am GMT | 8.45am GMT |
| 08:45 | 08:45 |
| In a further sign of post election stability the current presidential press secretary Vijayananda Herath has told newswire AFP, that Rajapaksa’s main official residence had already been vacated to gesture his defeat. This follows his earlier quote in which he said, “The president concedes defeat and will ensure a smooth transition of power, bowing to the wishes of the people.” | In a further sign of post election stability the current presidential press secretary Vijayananda Herath has told newswire AFP, that Rajapaksa’s main official residence had already been vacated to gesture his defeat. This follows his earlier quote in which he said, “The president concedes defeat and will ensure a smooth transition of power, bowing to the wishes of the people.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.22am GMT | at 9.22am GMT |
| 8.29am GMT | 8.29am GMT |
| 08:29 | 08:29 |
| Following confirmation of Sirisena’s victory, here’s another chance to read Jason Burke’s profile of Sri Lanka’s new leader. Here’s a flavour: | Following confirmation of Sirisena’s victory, here’s another chance to read Jason Burke’s profile of Sri Lanka’s new leader. Here’s a flavour: |
| Sirisena is a canny political operator who has survived the tumultuous politics of the island nation for 25 years. His first taste of activism came in 1968 when, still a teenager, he joined an anti-government rally that was organised by a communist party and broken up by a police baton charge. Three years later he was jailed for 15 months for alleged involvement in an insurrection led by Marxists. | Sirisena is a canny political operator who has survived the tumultuous politics of the island nation for 25 years. His first taste of activism came in 1968 when, still a teenager, he joined an anti-government rally that was organised by a communist party and broken up by a police baton charge. Three years later he was jailed for 15 months for alleged involvement in an insurrection led by Marxists. |
| The son of a minor landowner, Sirisena first won a seat in parliament in 1989. He negotiated shifts of power as early political patrons were marginalised to hold positions as agriculture, health and defence minister. | The son of a minor landowner, Sirisena first won a seat in parliament in 1989. He negotiated shifts of power as early political patrons were marginalised to hold positions as agriculture, health and defence minister. |
| No one expected him to try and oust Rajapaksa. | No one expected him to try and oust Rajapaksa. |
| 8.06am GMT | 8.06am GMT |
| 08:06 | 08:06 |
| Maithripala Sirisena confirmed as new president | Maithripala Sirisena confirmed as new president |
| Sri Lanka’s election commissioner has confirmed that Maithripala Sirisena has been elected the country’s new president. | Sri Lanka’s election commissioner has confirmed that Maithripala Sirisena has been elected the country’s new president. |
| The commissioner has announced that Sirisena obtained 51.28% of the valid votes cast in Thursday’s election while Mahinda Rajapaksa got 47.58%. | The commissioner has announced that Sirisena obtained 51.28% of the valid votes cast in Thursday’s election while Mahinda Rajapaksa got 47.58%. |
| He will be sworn in as president later on Friday. | He will be sworn in as president later on Friday. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 8.08am GMT | at 8.08am GMT |
| 7.50am GMT | 7.50am GMT |
| 07:50 | 07:50 |
| Amantha Perera, in Colombo for the Guardian, has been speaking to people about the election result. He captures a sense of anger over perceived corruption, disillusionment with Rajapaksa, and the hope that the new president will lead a more consultative administration. | Amantha Perera, in Colombo for the Guardian, has been speaking to people about the election result. He captures a sense of anger over perceived corruption, disillusionment with Rajapaksa, and the hope that the new president will lead a more consultative administration. |
| Fritz Fernandez, 52, lecturer at Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management | Fritz Fernandez, 52, lecturer at Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management |
| Good governance is the most important issue now. The common man should feel that rule of law applies to everyone across the board without any discrimination. I feel the main task for this new administration would be to assure people that they can trust in their government. President Rajapaksa’s lasting legacy would be how he let the respect that he had among Sri Lankans erode. | Good governance is the most important issue now. The common man should feel that rule of law applies to everyone across the board without any discrimination. I feel the main task for this new administration would be to assure people that they can trust in their government. President Rajapaksa’s lasting legacy would be how he let the respect that he had among Sri Lankans erode. |
| When so many started leaving the government, just as he called elections, I realised that the writing was on the wall for him. He was losing the common touch he had and the trust that was placed on him. Unfortunately he failed to see that.” | When so many started leaving the government, just as he called elections, I realised that the writing was on the wall for him. He was losing the common touch he had and the trust that was placed on him. Unfortunately he failed to see that.” |
| Nayanajith Thilakarathne, 38, auto spare-parts dealer | Nayanajith Thilakarathne, 38, auto spare-parts dealer |
| Rule of law, that is what this government really has to bring back. Everyone should be equally accountable. The second one is government corruption, this government has to make sure that commission making by government MP’s and officials is stopped and all those found guilty of such crimes are punished. A precedent should be set that the people voted to show that they do not tolerate such corruption. | Rule of law, that is what this government really has to bring back. Everyone should be equally accountable. The second one is government corruption, this government has to make sure that commission making by government MP’s and officials is stopped and all those found guilty of such crimes are punished. A precedent should be set that the people voted to show that they do not tolerate such corruption. |
| We should also have an integrated development plan, where the ordinary man benefits from development, like if they build a new road or a highway, the man in the street should get a direct benefit.” | We should also have an integrated development plan, where the ordinary man benefits from development, like if they build a new road or a highway, the man in the street should get a direct benefit.” |
| We should also not forget President Rajapaksa was beneficial to the country, especially during his first term. But his legacy would most probably would be how he ruined that reputation.” | We should also not forget President Rajapaksa was beneficial to the country, especially during his first term. But his legacy would most probably would be how he ruined that reputation.” |
| Selyna Peiris, attorney at law | Selyna Peiris, attorney at law |
| When I woke up today, the first thing I realised is the lack of fear, people were not scared to talk. I think the biggest expectations from this government would be whether they can stick to the 100 day plan they unveiled before the elections. The new administration should be one that is more consultative, as opposed to being dictatorial, which is what we had before today. The new government should move away from dictatorial policies and listen to the people more, not to intimidate the opposing voices, but listen to them. It should also reflect the divergent voices within coalition that backed Maithripala Sirisena. | When I woke up today, the first thing I realised is the lack of fear, people were not scared to talk. I think the biggest expectations from this government would be whether they can stick to the 100 day plan they unveiled before the elections. The new administration should be one that is more consultative, as opposed to being dictatorial, which is what we had before today. The new government should move away from dictatorial policies and listen to the people more, not to intimidate the opposing voices, but listen to them. It should also reflect the divergent voices within coalition that backed Maithripala Sirisena. |
| I also feel that the new government really has to make an effort to regain people’s trust in the judiciary, which has eroded at an alarming rate.” | I also feel that the new government really has to make an effort to regain people’s trust in the judiciary, which has eroded at an alarming rate.” |
| Rathnayake Mudiyanselaga Chandralatha, garment factory employee | Rathnayake Mudiyanselaga Chandralatha, garment factory employee |
| Everyone should be equal in law, no discriminations, no one is above the law. We expect this government to bring back good governance and rule of law. It should also be genuine to the people, on the promises Maithripala Sirisena made when he came forward. It should also establish the independent commissions on elections and police that have been long overdue. The commissions will go a long way in ridding this country of corruption and nepotism.” | Everyone should be equal in law, no discriminations, no one is above the law. We expect this government to bring back good governance and rule of law. It should also be genuine to the people, on the promises Maithripala Sirisena made when he came forward. It should also establish the independent commissions on elections and police that have been long overdue. The commissions will go a long way in ridding this country of corruption and nepotism.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 11.54am GMT | at 11.54am GMT |
| 7.37am GMT | 7.37am GMT |
| 07:37 | 07:37 |
| A reminder to readers waking up in the UK and elsewhere that in a shock result in Sri Lanka’s presidential election, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has conceded defeat to rival Maithripala Sirisena, a man who was once one of the president’s closest allies before defecting. | A reminder to readers waking up in the UK and elsewhere that in a shock result in Sri Lanka’s presidential election, President Mahinda Rajapaksa has conceded defeat to rival Maithripala Sirisena, a man who was once one of the president’s closest allies before defecting. |
| Here’s a picture of of some Sirisena’s supporters on the streets of Colombo. | Here’s a picture of of some Sirisena’s supporters on the streets of Colombo. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.41am GMT | at 7.41am GMT |