(Text of Statement issued by Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe Leader of the Opposition and United National Party)

Sri Lanka has proved its credentials as a mature, peaceful democracy as the victory of Opposition Common Candidate Maithripala Sirisena is resounding across the country.

The quality of democracy in any country is revealed not only in the magnanimity of the victors of popular franchise, but the graciousness of the defeated.

We thank President Mahinda Rajapaksa for enabling a smooth, peaceful and civilised transition.

We also owe a debt of gratitude to Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya who stood strong in the face of pressure to ensure the integrity and credibility of the election on January 8, 2015.

The police and the security forces personnel must also be appreciated for their contribution to keeping the peace and ensuring the safety of the citizenry during election day.

To the voters who placed their trust and confidence in us we owe you our allegiance and our respect