President Mahinda Rajapaksa has conceded defeat at the 2015 Presidential elections and left Temples Trees, the President’s office said.

Director of the President’s media unit Vijayananda Herath said that the President had left Temple Trees following a brief discussion with opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Temple Trees

The President had said that he was leaving Temple Trees after accepting the people’s verdict and in order to allow the new President to take office.

Common opposition Presidential candidate Maithripala Sirisena was leading in the votes counted so far and is headed for victory in the polls.

Telephones Maithri

President Mahinda Rajapaksa had reportedly telephoned Common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena and congratulated him over the victory.

Sources close to the President also said he discussed transition arrangements with the Common Candidate during the brief telephone conversation.

Meets Ranil

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had met President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees this morning.

During the meeting, the President had assured the Opposition Leader that there would be a smooth transfer of power.

President Rajapaksa had also stated that he would accept the verdict of the people.

The meeting took place in a context where the opposition’s candidate had taken an early lead at the presidential election.

Sirisena Thanks Voters

Common opposition Presidential candidate Maithripala Sirisena thanked the thousands of Sri Lankans who kept their unstinted faith in him during the election.

Sirisena urged the public to now join him to help the country move towards a compassionate, Maithree era.

“I wish to respectfully thank the thousands of Sri Lankans who kept their unstinted faith in me. Let’s move towards a compassionate, Maithree era,” he said.

Taking Oaths

It is still not clear as to when Maithripala Sirsena would take oaths as the President of Sri Lanka.

While some speculate that he will take oaths this evening itself his elections manifesto states that the new President will take oaths on Saturday (January 10).

Pledge Support

Meanwhile, sources from the Common opposition said a sizable proportion of ruling party members are likely to pledge support to Sirisena after his ascension to power.

(Compiled from News Reports in the Asian Mirror and Colombo Gazette)