GUWAHATI, Nov 17: Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Sunday won the presidential election in Sri Lanka defeating Sajith Premadasa, the ruling party candidate, by more than 13 lakh votes, Sri Lankan election officials said.
While Rajapaksa secured 6,924,255 votes, Premadasa polled 5,564,239 votes.
I am the President of not only those who voted for me but also those who voted against me and irrespective of which race or religion they belong to.
I am deeply committed to serve all the people of Sri Lanka. #VisionInAction #GR2020 #GOTAWithYou pic.twitter.com/jETeIK0qH2
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) November 17, 2019
Meanwhile, several world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulated Rajapaksa on his victory.
“Congratulations @GotabayaR on your victory in the Presidential elections.
I look forward to working closely with you for deepening the close and fraternal ties between our two countries and citizens, and for peace, prosperity as well as security in our region,” PM Modi tweeted.
Congratulations @GotabayaR on your victory in the Presidential elections.
I look forward to working closely with you for deepening the close and fraternal ties between our two countries and citizens, and for peace, prosperity as well as security in our region.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 17, 2019
Gotabaya Rajapaksa incidentally is the younger brother of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and served as the defence secretary of the island nation.
He pledged to appoint as Prime Minister his brother Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was ousted in 2015 elections amid constant reports of nepotism and corrupt dealings with China, the Associated Press reported.
