Sajith congratulates Gota

He urged to ensure that the post-election environment is peaceful No citizen or NDF party supporter is persecuted or harmed for their role in supporting my candidacy

While congratulating SLPP candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election as the seventh Executive President of Sri Lanka even before the official final results were announced, New Democratic Front (NDF) candidate Sajith Premadasa said in a statement yesterday morning that he would step down as Deputy Leader of the United National Party with immediate effect. “After a hardfought and spirited election campaign, it is my privilege to honour the decision of the people and congratulate Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election as the seventh President of Sri Lanka,” Mr Premadasa said,

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to all of our citizens who voted for me, in all corners of the island. I am humbled that you placed your faith in me. Your support has been a fountain of strength throughout my twentysix-year-long political career. I also wish to place on record my gratitude to all those who worked tirelessly on my campaign. My family and I will never forget your sacrifice and dedication,” he added.

He said the country has just witnessed the most peaceful Presidential election in the history of our independent republic. This he said was a result of the democratic gains and institutional reforms that have taken place over the last five years, that empowered an independent elections commission and restored the rule of law. “My appeal to the incoming President is that he takes this process forward and strengthen and protect the democratic institutions and values that enabled his peaceful election as the 7th President of Sri Lanka.

Mr Premadasa urged Mr Rajapaksa to ensure that the post-election environment is peaceful and that no citizen or NDF party supporter is persecuted or harmed for their role in supporting my candidacy.”

“For 26 years, I have been an active politician in this country. During that time, I have made every effort to serve the people, in my home district of Hambantota and wherever and whenever they needed my assistance. It has been my privilege to serve as Housing Minister in this Government for five years, prioritizing the creation of a home-owning society by 2025. I hope the people understand that these were sincere, heartfelt efforts to uplift the lives of my fellow citizens. In light of today’s decision by the electorate, I have decided to step down as Deputy

Leader of the United

National Party with immediate effect,” he said.