Ranil becomes UK MP

8 May 2015 06:28 am - 40 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Ranil Jayawardena of Sri Lankan origin romped to victory in North East Hampshire constituency, taking a near-30,000 vote majority over the Liberal Democrats, the Get Hampshire said.

Conservative candidate Mr. Jayawardena will take the reins from James Arbuthnot, who bowed out after nearly 30 years as MP for North East Hampshire.

During Thursday's vote (May 7), Mr Jayawardena took 35,573 votes in total, a staggering 29,916 votes ahead of Liberal Democrat candidate Graham Cockarill.

Mr Cockarill received 5,657 votes, Amran Hussain (Labour) 5,290 votes, Robert Blay (UKIP) 4,732 votes, Andrew Johnston (Green Party) 2,364 votes and Max Bobetsky (Monster Racing Loony Party) 384 votes.

In total, 54,000 votes were cast from an electorate of 74,025, a turnout of 72.94%. 202 ballots were either spoiled or rejected.

Following the result, which came in around 4am, Mr Jayawardena said: "This is an important night for Britain - and an even more important night for North East Hampshire.

"I'm delighted more than 65% of voters have put their trust in me today," he added. "The people of North East Hampshire have given me the chance to serve.

"They have put their trust in me - and I shall repay that trust."

Speaking to Get Hampshire moments after stepping off the podium, a clearly very emotional Mr Jayawardena said: "I am very pleased that the people of North East Hampshire have put their trust in me - it is my home.

"I grew up in Odiham, went to school there and now I live in Bramley. I've served my community as a local councillor and I am very pleased I will be able to represent them in parliament."

However, the night was not without controversy, with Mr Jayawardena refusing a handshake from UKIP candidate Mr Blay.

It comes after Mr Blay was suspended by UKIP earlier this week after he was caught on camera by an undercover reporter from The Mirror threatening to "put a bullet" in Mr Jayawardena's head.

Mr Blay spoke to Get Hampshire during the count on Friday morning (May 8) and stressed he was still hoping to get back into the party's good books.

When asked if he regretted making the comments about Mr. Jayawardena, Mr Blay said he had no further comment to make.

Mr Cockarill, who was second to Mr Jayawardena, said he was pleased his party maintained a presence in the constituency, against a backdrop of huge Liberal Democrat losses nationwide.

Labour's Amran Hussain said: "I think I ran a very positive campaign, and I'm happy with the results I got.

"I wish Ranil the best of luck and I hope he takes his work to the doorsteps of the constituency. That is my wish and request from him."

Meanwhile, 'Mad' Max Bobetsky for the Monster Raving Loonies said: "It's been good considering we've never stood in this constituency before. I'm very happy that Ranil won and I'm sure he will do a great service."

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Comments - 40

gunasenah Saturday, 09 May 2015 02:03 PM

Dear Mr. Jayawardena, Congratulations on your high achievement in the UK polls.Best wishes. Prof.Gunasena

Ana Friday, 08 May 2015 04:21 PM

If need to learn good politics, come to Sri Lanka. I think it is the good time to Ranilsss.

Raterala Friday, 08 May 2015 04:25 PM

This proves "Ranil" can win elections in abroad? How about our Ranil travellling abroad, leaving room for the Growth of UNP? Like Somawansha ?

TIRIMANNE Friday, 08 May 2015 04:30 PM

Serving the people who trust you is a service to your mother Lanka.

Erantha Fonseka Friday, 08 May 2015 04:40 PM

It is great to hear a Sri Lankan origin shining in UK politics. Carrying the Sri Lankan politicians names Jayawardena - Ranil. Congratulations to your victory!!!!!

KARTHI Friday, 08 May 2015 04:50 PM

Congratulations- we in sri lanka are very proud of your victory. It shows the equality in UK- we expect his in sri lanka

maf Saturday, 09 May 2015 08:05 AM

Was he born in Sri Lanka or has he got dual citizenship.

Amila.G Saturday, 09 May 2015 09:15 AM

BOTH RANIL AND JAYAWARDENA , NAME , SAYS IT ALL FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE. GOOD LUCK

rohana Saturday, 09 May 2015 10:19 AM

all Srilankans should be proud of this victory

I AM SRILANKA MUSLIM Saturday, 09 May 2015 12:46 PM

REAL DEMOCRACY .. SRILANKAN ORGIN APPOINTING PARLIAMENT UK..BUT IN SRILANKA ????

Abraham Friday, 08 May 2015 04:19 PM

This guy left us because SL politicians are idiots, UK politicians are smarter than we do.

Shaun Ratnayake Saturday, 09 May 2015 08:31 PM

Congratulation Ranil, I am so proud of you as I am sri Lankan as what you have achieved. All I can say, just do great job for the country, and the community who trusted you.

Conchshell Saturday, 09 May 2015 08:50 PM

well one is better than the other!

Kamal Desappriya Saturday, 09 May 2015 09:17 PM

Congratulations...! Now Sri Lanka has two Ranils those who will make the better future for people. Good luck and best wishes from Canada.

scientific Sri Lankan Sunday, 10 May 2015 02:47 AM

Ranil J. is a conservative politician. If he truly represent the people of the UK, why not compete from a left-winged or center left political party like Lib Dems or Labor?

mahinda bogollagama mclean va usa Sunday, 10 May 2015 06:30 AM

Congratulations, do what you do, do well boy. A simple philosophy to become a mighty big man. An American country song.

Aba Jayasekera Sunday, 10 May 2015 09:55 AM

My congratulations to Ranil Jayawardena! I am highly impressed by the large number of votes that he got there considering that the LTTE Diaspora would undoubtedly have worked against him. Also his performance is better than that of any one of the ten MPs of Indian origin successful at this election.

Sikuru7 Sunday, 10 May 2015 10:26 AM

I think our Ranil is better. More experienced

Aba Jayasekera Sunday, 10 May 2015 10:28 AM

My congratulations to Ranil Jayawardena! I am highly impressed by the large number of votes that he got there considering that the LTTE Diaspora would undoubtedly have worked against him. Also his performance is better than that of any one of the ten MPs of Indian origin successful at this election.

Hamlet Monday, 11 May 2015 11:03 AM

Looks like India and Sri Lanka are taking over from the Brits!

Bala Friday, 08 May 2015 01:19 PM

Congratulations. Not to sour a good occasion, may be you would have scored some points if you shook the UKIP guys hand as well. After all you won handsomely and had nothing to lose.

s. Abeyweera gunawardena Friday, 08 May 2015 12:13 PM

Congratulations! It is great. Be honest and do a good job. I am proud of you as a Sri Lankan.

Ravindra Galhena Friday, 08 May 2015 12:45 PM

We are really proud of you Ranil. Many Congratulations! Sri Lanka has two Ranils to make history!

yasmin bursh Friday, 08 May 2015 12:54 PM

We being sri lankan we are proud of a sri lanka n become a mmp of paliment and I wish him my blessings there for him to carryout smoothly his duties

Ajja Friday, 08 May 2015 12:57 PM

Congratulation my dear...you looks an authentic Srilankan.Serve your constituency well and teach Srilankan crook i politicians how to serve the people and win their minds....

p nonis Friday, 08 May 2015 01:08 PM

It is a great honour to sri-lanbka to have a MP in uk. with such huge majority win over the UK elections.It seems the constituency has placed their trust on you.

dom Friday, 08 May 2015 01:11 PM

what is the big deal? this guy does not care native sri lankans at all

RanjiniSamaranayake Friday, 08 May 2015 01:15 PM

Congratulations we are proud that you are Sri Lanka born. Keep the flag flying high. God Bless you.

de silva Friday, 08 May 2015 01:15 PM

CONGRATULATIONS.DO GOOD POLITICS,NOT LIKE OUR POLITICS.

Mathew George Friday, 08 May 2015 01:17 PM

I am proud of you Ranil as a Sri Lankan. Keep it up.

Sincere Friday, 08 May 2015 12:04 PM

Why not add "Junius" before his name and then he can be called J. R. Jayawardena of UK. Then the guy who threatened him recently will never ever do that again.

Calistus Friday, 08 May 2015 01:26 PM

His name and surname internationally acclaimed.

Edward Ahangama Friday, 08 May 2015 01:31 PM

I am glad to send greetings from Sri Lanka. You shall be a model to Sri Lankan politicians.

Nayani Ambatalawe Friday, 08 May 2015 01:45 PM

Congratulations Mr Jayawardene.

Rover Z Friday, 08 May 2015 01:46 PM

At last a Ranil wins an election.

The cool guy Friday, 08 May 2015 02:06 PM

he is not a Sri Lankan, He is a Sri Lankan origin

patriot Friday, 08 May 2015 02:07 PM

so many praising comments, is he still a Sri Lankan? What is there to proud of him, he is not going to serve mother lanka.

Marie Friday, 08 May 2015 02:09 PM

Congratulations.

Devaka Friday, 08 May 2015 03:47 PM

A better qualified Ranil to become a UK MP would have been our PM

Manel Friday, 08 May 2015 03:49 PM

Congratulations Ranil. Please do not bring Singaporeans to work in your electorate.

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Ranil becomes UK MP

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