"In doing this President Rajapaksa kept to his pledge to the people during the election campaign that he would adhere to democratic principles and tradition on the smooth transfer of office." the statement added.
President Rajapaksa phoned Mr. Sirisena early this morning and congratulated him on his impending victory and inquired from the Common Candidate when he would assume duties, Presidential Spokesman Mohan Samaranayake said.
However, reliable sources informed the Sri Lanka Guardian, the President was attempted to stay in power in next two years while referring to the constitutional regulations.
But the cabinet ministers and other senior politicians were disagreed and then the President and the Defence Secretary who is brother of the President were pleaded for the security involvement to hold the presidency. Fortunately, the most of armed forces commanders and other senior officers were disagreed.
Then the President talked to his long term friend Ranil Wicramasinghe to arrange their safe departure.
However , the results released by the Department of Elections so far indicate a lead for opposition Candidate Maithripala Sirisena. The counting of votes is expected to be completed early this afternoon when then the Commissioner of Elections will issue a statement naming the President elect.
This was the seventh election to the Executive Presidency of Sri Lanka.
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