NEC Chairman's requests President-elect to deliver election manifesto

Colombo (News 1st): Chairman of the National Election Commission Mahinda Deshapriya announced the final result of the Presidential Election today (November 17). All Presidential candidates who contested at the Presidential Election were summoned to the Election Commission this afternoon. Chairman of the Commission Mahinda Deshapriya announced the final result of the election with the arrival of all the candidates. Mahinda Deshapriya said;

"At the Presidential election held on the 16th of November, securing over 6,626,250 votes which is over 50% of 13,252,499 total in votes, Gotabaya Rajapaksa from the Sri Lanka Podu Jana Peramuna emerged victorious with a total of 6,924,255 votes. Mahinda Deshapriya and members now declare that Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected as the President of the Republic under the Electing the President Act No. 15 of 1981. Mr. President, we request you to comply with your election manifesto."

The Chairman of the National Elections Commission speaking to the President-elect noted that the democracy will only prevail if laws pertaining to elections are strengthened. He said they hope that he will take steps to fulfil it. Deshapriya said the credibility and fairness of the polls will remain only if there is a democratic process in the country and the responsibility of that does not depend on him alone. Mahinda Deshapriya noted that it requires the support of all political party leaders, activists, and all citizens, therefore, they hope that he (President-elect) will ensure that all government officials and citizens work together to make the country a democratic country. His final request to the president-elect was to take action to hold the Provincial Council election 'that went missing'. The presidential candidate of the New Democratic Front Sajith Premadasa expressed the following views;

"I would like to congratulate the 7th executive President Gotabaya Rajapaksa by bowing to the people's decision with dignity and honor at a crucial election. I would like to thank and honor all Sri Lankan citizens who participated in the election campaign and those who had faith in me. Implement a methodology so as not to harass members of any party who participated in the election campaign. I extend my gratitude to the Elections Commission who headed a fair and peaceful election. I extend my support to President-elect Gotabaya Rajapaksa to unite all communities, religions, and communities in a united Sri Lanka and to create a prosperous motherland."

President-elect Gotabaya Rajapaksa said the people's trust in him would be safeguarded. He noted that he is grateful for the citizens of this nation for placing their valued trust in him and appointing him as the President of the nation and he will do justice to the trust placed in him. He added that as the Chairman reminded he will extend his support to hold elections in the country within the proper time period. He added that he is glad that they were able to change certain amendments to ensure a peaceful election. President-elect Rajapaksa noted that he is the President of those who elected both in favour and against him. He said he will serve everyone considering them as Sri Lankans despite any religious or racial differences. President-elect Gotabaya Rajapaksa extended his gratitude to the citizens and each and every candidate who made a peaceful election possible.