Maithripala Sirisena has obtained 6,217,162 votes or 51.28 percent of the total votes while his main opponent Mahinda Rajapaksa has bagged 5,768,090 votes or 47.58 percent of the total valid votes.
Do not try to break the law; I urge all of you to abide by the law, Deshapriya said.
Speaking at the occasion, newly elected President Maithripala Sirisena appealed his supporters to celebrate the victory peacefully and commended everyone for facilitating to conduct a free and fair election.
I specially thank former president Mahinda Rajapaksa for accepting me as the new president. I also request everyone to act with Maithri, Sirisena said.
Earlier in the day President Mahinda Rajapaksa left his official residence letting the new president and prime minister to experience a smooth transition of power.
Maithripala Sirisena will swear in as the new president before the incumbent chief justice by today afternoon, deputy general secretary of the UNP Akila Viraj Ka