MOST PEACEFUL ELECTION EVER IN SL: PRESIDENT

President Maithripala Sirisena said yesterday’s general election was one of the most peaceful, free and fair elections held in the history of Sri Lanka. He said his decision, as President, to stay neutral at the poll was a major reason for this favourable situation. “Yesterday’s election undoubtedly was the most peaceful than any of the general elections held in Sri Lanka since

1947.

The changes and reforms I have made as the President in this county during the past six months and the results of good governance had created a background for peaceful elections,” he said.

The President noted that many gruesome incidents had occurred during previous elections, especially during the January presidential election. He said the previous government had blatantly misused state properties and state media during the presidential election. “However, yesterday’s election was conducted in an entirely different manner. I’m delighted that the most peaceful election was conducted during my tenure. State officials including the IGP and the Elections Commissioner were able to carry out their duties freely as I did not utilize presidential powers or influence the state sector with my executive powers,” he said. While thanking all stakeholders of the elections ranging from the Elections Commissioner to the IGP and officials of the armed forces to the foreign and local election observers for contributing to conduct a free and fair election, President Sirisena requested people to accept the election results peacefully in order to preserve the reputation of conducting the election peacefully. He requested groups who had won the election not to cause any mental or physical harassment to those who had been defeated.