Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

The United Nations Secretary - General while congratulating the people of Sri Lanka on the successful presidential elections said he is looking forward to working with the new President Maithripala Sirisena.

A statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General said the UNSG congratulates the people of Sri Lanka on the successful conclusion of the presidential election, and welcomes the constitutional transfer of power.

Read more: UN welcomes constitutional transfer of power in Sri Lanka

After an intensive and well-conducted election with strong participation from all regions of the country, albeit with some outbursts of violence, the Sri Lankan people have given victory to Maithripala Sirisena, the surprise challenger to the incumbent Mahindra Rajapaksa. 

On behalf of the Friends of Sri Lanka in the European Parliament, Geoffrey Van Orden commented:

“We send our congratulations to President Maithripala Sirisena on his great achievement in winning the Presidential Election. At the same time we acknowledge the contribution made by his predecessor in defeating terrorism and injecting new life into the Sri Lankan economy.

Read more: Strong welcome from European Parliamentarians to new President of Sri Lanka

Maithripala Sirisena was sworn in as the sixth Executive President of Sri Lanka amidst blessings from the religious leaders Friday (09) evening.

Maithripala Sirisena was sworn in as the 6th Executive President before Justice K. Sri Pawan at a ceremony held at the Independence Square in Colombo.

Read more: Maithripala Sirisena sworn in as New President and Ranil as Prime Minister

The Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapirya declared the Presidential Candidate Maithripala Sirisena as the sixth President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, a short while ago.

At the Presidential Election held on 8th January 2015, the Presidential Candidate Maithripala Sirisena who contested under the symbol "Swan"polled a total of  6,217,162 votes (51.28%) and secured victory. Accordingly the Election Commissioner said that he declare and appoint Maithripala Sirisena as the new President. 

He also took the opportunity to thank the Election department staff, public service officers as well as the Heads of the Police Dept and Tri-forces for the services rendered by them to conduct a fair and peaceful poll.

Source: www.news.lk

The Presidential candidate of the New Democratic Front Maithripala Sirisena has been elected as the next President of Sri Lanka by obtaining a total of 6,217,162 votes (51.28%) in the Presidential election held on 8th January 2015.

Final Result is as follows:

Souce: www.news.lk

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has condemned the terrorist attack in Paris and offered his condolences to the families of the victims.

Speaking from his home in Medamulana, President Rajapaksa said, “The world needs to come together to fight all forms of terrorism wherever it happens.”

Read more: President Rajapaksa condemns terrorist attack in Paris

On the invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, His Holiness Pope Francis will pay a State Visit to Sri Lanka from 13^th to 15^th January 2015. The Government and people of Sri Lanka are looking forward to warmly welcoming His Holiness and his delegation. 

All arrangements for the visit are in place and the required constructions are progressing on schedule including the altar at Galle Face Green where the Special Mass and the canonization of Blessed Joseph Vaz, which will take place on Wednesday 14^thJanuary. 

Read more: State Visit to Sri Lanka