Election Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya officially declared Maithripala Sirisena as the new President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka a short while ago.


Making the official declaration in terms of the powers vested in him by the Constitution, Deshapriya said that Mr. Sirisena obtained a majority of 51.28% votes, and is therefore the new President of the country.


Addressing the media and the candidates, at the Elections Department, he thanked the outgoing President for ensuring a peaceful election and a transfer of power thereafter.