2015 Sri Lankan presidential election

none Sri Lanka presidential 2010 Sri Lankan presidential election 2010 2019 Sri Lankan presidential election 2019 yes 2015 01 08 81.52% ( 7.02pp) Maithripala- Russia (portrait).jpg Maithripala Sirisena New Democratic Front (Sri Lanka) — no 6,217,162 51.28% The former President of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa meeting the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on September 12, 2018 (1) (cropped).JPG Mahinda Rajapaksa Sri Lanka Freedom Party Sri Lanka Freedom Party United People's Freedom Alliance 5,768,090 47.58% Wahlbezirkskarte Praesidentschaft Sri Lanka 2015.svg Results by polling division President Mahinda Rajapaksa Maithripala Sirisena Sri Lanka Freedom Party New Democratic Front (Sri Lanka) Presidential elections were held in Sri Lanka on 8 January 2015, nearly two years ahead of schedule.Presidential poll Jan. 8; Nominations on Dec. 8 http://www.dailymirror.lk/57111/presidential-polls-jan-8-nominations-on-dec-8 Daily Mirror 21 November 2014South Asia Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa facing electoral rebellion http://www.dw.de/sri-lankas-rajapaksa-facing-electoral-rebellion/a-18078912 Deutsche Welle 21 November 2014 Incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksa was the candidate of the ruling United People's Freedom Alliance, seeking a third term in office after presidential term limits were abolished in 2010 by the 18th amendment to the constitution.Sri Lanka calls early presidential elections https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-29693336 BBC News 20 October 2014Sri Lanka president calls early election http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/11/sri-lanka-president-calls-early-election-20141120132039968850.html Al Jazeera 20 November 2014 The New Democratic Front, a United National Party-led opposition coalition, chose to field Maithripala Sirisena, former Minister of Health in Rajapaksa's government and general secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party – the main constituent party of the UPFA – as its common opposition candidate.Sri Lanka election: Health chief to challenge Rajapaksa https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-30144182 BBC News 21 November 2014Sri Lankan minister quits, to challenge Rajapaksa for presidency https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sri-lanka-election-idUSKCN0J50W520141121 Reuters 21 November 2014 Sirisena was declared the winner, receiving 51% of the vote compared to Rajapaksa's 48%.Ben Doherty Munk David Sri Lanka election: president Mahinda Rajapaksa concedes defeat — live https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/jan/09/sri-lanka-election-president-mahinda-rajapaksa-concedes-defeat-live The Guardian 9 January 2015Sundarji Padma Rao Jacob Jayanth Jacob Mighty Rajapaksa stunned, Sirisena is new Lanka Prez http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/mahinda-rajapaksa-concedes-election-defeat-official/article1-1304846.aspx https://web.archive.org/web/20150109053413/http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/mahinda-rajapaksa-concedes-election-defeat-official/article1-1304846.aspx dead January 9, 2015 Hindustan Times 9 January 2015 The result was generally seen as a major upset;Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa suffers shock election defeat https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-30738671 BBC News 9 January 2015Koutsoukis Jason Sri Lanka election: shock result as president Mahinda Rajapaksa is tossed out https://www.smh.com.au/world/sri-lanka-election-shock-result-as-president-mahinda-rajapaksa-is-tossed-out-20150109-12l7nx.html The Sydney Morning Herald 10 January 2015Pasricha Anjana Sri Lanka Swears In New President https://www.voanews.com/a/sri-lankan-president-concedes-defeat/2591469.html Voice of America 9 January 2015 9 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112106/http://www.voanews.com/content/sri-lankan-president-concedes-defeat/2591469.html 4 March 2016 live when Rajapaksa called the election in November 2014 he had looked certain to win.Hume Tim Athas Iqbal Iqbal Athas Sri Lanka's Mahinda Rajapaksa concedes defeat in presidential elections https://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/08/asia/sri-lanka-elections-walkup/ CNN 9 January 2015Kumar Nikhil Sri Lanka Looks to Chart a New Course After Ousting Mahinda Rajapaksa https://time.com/3661134/sri-lanka-elections-maithripala-sirisena-mahinda-rajapaksa/ Time 9 January 2015Sri Lanka election winner Sirisena pledges to reform the state http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/01/09/asia-pacific/politics-diplomacy-asia-pacific/sri-lanka-election-winner-sirisena-pledges-reform-state-abolishing-presidency-strengthening-parliament/ The Japan Times 9 January 2015 On 11 January 2015, the new government announced a special investigation into allegations of an attempted coup by Rajapaksa. Timeline 2014 20 October – Minister of Mass Media and Information Keheliya Rambukwella confirms that the election will be held in January 2015. 5 November – Rajapaksa seeks the Supreme Court's opinion on whether he could stand for re-election. 20 November – Rajapaksa issues a proclamation calling for a presidential election at which he would seek re-election. 21 November – Sri Lanka Freedom Party general secretary Maithripala Sirisena defects to the opposition and announces that he will run against Rajapaksa in the upcoming election. Election commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya announces that nominations would be accepted on 8 December 2014 and that the election would be held on 8 January 2015. 8 December – The nomination period is opened by the Elections Department on 8 December 2014. All nominations are accepted. 23–24 December – Postal voting begins for two days. 2015 8 January – Election day. Polling stations opened at 07:00 (01:30 UTC) and closed at 16:00 (10:30 UTC).Sri Lanka's Mahinda Rajapaksa faces crucial poll https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-30715792 BBC News 8 January 2015Sri Lanka's election: dog heads, threats and Charlie Hebdo http://www.channel4.com/news/sri-lanka-election-vote-rajapaksa-sirisena-threats-violence Channel 4 News 8 January 2015Voting ends in peaceful manner https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2014/11/02/oostory.asp?sid=20150108_02&imid=Votting-ends.JPG&dt=%5BJanuary%2008%202015Voting for Presidential Poll begins http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca201501/20150108voting_presidential_poll_begins.htm Government of Sri Lanka 8 January 2015 11 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150111204240/http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca201501/20150108voting_presidential_poll_begins.htm 11 January 2015 dead 9 January – Rajapaksa concedes defeat ahead of the final result. 9 January – The election commissioner confirms Maithripala Sirisena's victory in the election at 12:00 (6:30 UTC).https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/jan/09/sri-lanka-election-president-mahinda-rajapaksa-concedes-defeat-live Sri Lanka election: Maithripala Sirisena elected president in surprise result - as it happened The Guardian 10 January 2015 9 January – Maithripala Sirsena is sworn in as Sri Lanka's sixth executive president, and seventh overall, before Supreme Court judge K. Sripavan in Independence Square, Colombo at 18:20 (12:50 UTC).Sirisena sworn in as Sri Lanka president http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2015/01/sirisena-sworn-as-sri-lanka-president-20151914215538168.html Al Jazeera 9 January 2015Maithri sworn in http://www.dailymirror.lk/60869/maithri-sworn-in The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 9 January 2015 Background thumb|right|250px|Protests against Rajapaksa seeking a third term, 18 November 2014 According to the constitution, the normal term of office for a president is six years, although an incumbent serving a second term may call an election at any time after four years in office.Bastians Dharisha Constitutional tangles in an election year http://www.ft.lk/2014/01/02/constitutional-tangles-in-an-election-year/ Daily FT 2 January 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141020234638/http://www.ft.lk/2014/01/02/constitutional-tangles-in-an-election-year/ 20 October 2014 In November 2009, buoyed by the government's defeat of the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in May 2009, incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa called an early presidential election.Presidential election to be held first http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=30666 TamilNet 23 November 2009 In the elections held in January 2010, Rajapaksa easily secured a second term in office, defeating common opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka.Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa hails victory https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8484669.stm BBC News 28 January 2010Mahinda Rajapakse declared sixth executive president of Sri Lanka http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31083 TamilNet 27 January 2010 In February 2010, the Supreme Court ruled that Rajapaksa's second term would begin in November 2010, and Rajapaksa was accordingly sworn in on 19 November 2010, in accordance with the Third Amendment to the Constitution.Sri Lanka court extends President Rajapaksa's tenure https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8493712.stm BBC News 2 February 2010Rajapaksa's second term begins from November 2010: SL Supreme Court http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31129 TamilNet 2 February 2010Haviland Charles Sri Lanka's President Rajapaksa sworn in for new term https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11795299 BBC News 19 November 2010 In September 2010, parliament, which was controlled by Rajapaksa's UPFA, passed the eighteenth amendment to the constitution, removing the two term limit on presidents, allowing Rajapaksa to run for a third term.Sri Lanka MPs vote in sweeping powers for president https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-11225723 BBC News 8 September 2010 As a result, he was constitutionally eligible to call an early presidential election after completing four years of his term. There was speculation in mid-2014 that Rajapaksa would call another early presidential election. On 20 October 2014, Minister of Mass Media and Information Keheliya Rambukwella confirmed that the election would be held in January 2015 as Rajapaksa would complete four years of his second term on 19 November 2014.Warnakulasuriya Deepal Presidential Election due in January-2015 http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/34431-presidential-election-due-in-january-2015.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 20 October 2014 20 October 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141022035739/http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/34431-presidential-election-due-in-january-2015.html 22 October 2014 deadPresidential poll in January confirmed http://sundaytimes.lk/news/presidential-poll-january-confirmed.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 20 October 2014 20 October 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141020212344/http://sundaytimes.lk/news/presidential-poll-january-confirmed.html 20 October 2014 dead Critics of Rajapaksa, including the Bar Association and former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva, argued that he could not stand for re-election as he had won his second term before the eighteenth amendment to the constitution had been passed.Fernando Susitha R. President Rajapaksa cannot contest for 3rd term, former CJ http://www.dailymirror.lk/opinion/172-opinion/51690-president-rajapaksa-cannot-contest-for-3rd-term-former-cj.html The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 29 August 2014Jabbar Zacki Lawyers opposing denied opportunity to file SC motions http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=113687 The Island (Sri Lanka) 7 November 2014Edirisinghe Dasun JVP vehemently opposes President seeking a third term http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=110948 The Island (Sri Lanka) 26 September 2014 In early November 2014, Rajapaksa sought the Supreme Court's opinion on whether he could stand for re-election.Aneez Shihar Sirilal Ranga Sri Lankan president seeks Supreme Court nod for third term https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sri-lanka-politics-court-idUSKBN0IP1JR20141105 Reuters 5 November 2014Rajapaksa seeks court opinion for third term in office https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/mahinda-rajapaksa-seeks-court-opinion-for-third-term-in-office/article6567668.ece The Hindu Press Trust of India 5 November 2014 The court ruled that Rajapaksa could stand for re-election.Ondaatjie Anusha Rajapaksa May Seek Third Term as Sri Lanka Leader: Court https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-11-11/rajapaksa-allowed-to-seek-third-term-as-sri-lankan-leader.html Bloomberg News 11 November 2014Aneez Shihar Sirilal Ranga Sri Lanka's Supreme Court okays president's third term https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sri-lanka-politics-court-idUSKCN0IV1GQ20141111 Reuters 11 November 2014 The independence of the Supreme Court has been questioned, since the UPFA impeached former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, allowing Rajapaksa to appoint an ally and legal adviser, former Attorney General Mohan Peiris, as Chief Justice.Ondaatjie Anusha Sri Lankan president to face challenge from ally http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-wp-blm-news-bc-srilanka21-20141121-story.html Chicago Tribune 21 November 2014 22 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141225120105/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-wp-blm-news-bc-srilanka21-20141121-story.html 25 December 2014 deadMinister defects to challenge Rajapaksa http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/asia/308805/minister-defects-to-challenge-rajapaksa The Peninsula Agence France-Presse 22 November 2014 dead https://archive.today/20141122174226/http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/asia/308805/minister-defects-to-challenge-rajapaksa 22 November 2014Sri Lanka's Rajapakse gets court nod to seek third term http://www.themalaymailonline.com/world/article/sri-lankas-rajapakse-gets-court-nod-to-seek-third-term Agence France-Presse The Malay Mail 11 November 2014 On 20 November 2014, Rajapaksa issued a proclamation calling for a presidential election at which he would seek re-election.PART I : SECTION (I) — GENERAL Proclamations, & c., by the President BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT Proclamation The Sri Lanka Gazette 20 November 2014 1889/31 http://www.documents.gov.lk/Extgzt/2014/PDF/Nov/1889_31/1889_31%28E%29.pdf 21 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129153158/http://www.documents.gov.lk/Extgzt/2014/PDF/Nov/1889_31/1889_31%28E%29.pdf 29 November 2014 deadParussini Gabriele Sri Lankan President Calls for Early Elections https://online.wsj.com/articles/sri-lankan-president-calls-for-early-elections-1416490072 The Wall Street Journal 20 November 2014Mallawarachi Bharatha Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa calls snap election amid row over his wide-ranging powers https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/sri-lankan-president-mahinda-rajapaksa-calls-snap-election-amid-row-over-his-wideranging-powers-9874094.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/sri-lankan-president-mahinda-rajapaksa-calls-snap-election-amid-row-over-his-wideranging-powers-9874094.html 2022-05-01 subscription live The Independent Associated Press 20 November 2014 The following day, election commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya announced that nominations would be taken on 8 December 2014 and that the election would be held on 8 January 2015.SL presidential election to be held on January 08, 2015 http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=37496 TamilNet 21 November 2014Presidential poll Jan. 8; Nominations on Dec. 8 http://www.dailymirror.lk/57111/presidential-polls-jan-8-nominations-on-dec-8 The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 21 November 2014 Nominations were accepted from 09:00 to 11:00 on 8 December 2014.Wayback Machine https://elections.gov.lk/web/wp-content/uploads/election-results/presidential-elections/PresidentialElections2015.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20241110001357/https://elections.gov.lk/web/wp-content/uploads/election-results/presidential-elections/PresidentialElections2015.pdf 2024-11-10 2025-11-15 elections.gov.lk 15,044,490 Sri Lankans were eligible to vote at the election.15m registered voters for polls http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141123/news/15m-registered-voters-for-polls-129327.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 23 November 2014Somawardana Melissa Presidential Election: Accepting of deposits to commence today http://newsfirst.lk/english/2014/11/accepting-deposits-presidential-election-will-commence-today/64269 News First 24 November 2014 26 November 2014 9 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141209051925/http://newsfirst.lk/english/2014/11/accepting-deposits-presidential-election-will-commence-today/64269 dead Postal voting was held on 23 and 24 December 2014.Video: Presidential Election postal voting on Dec 23, 24 http://www.dailymirror.lk/57347/presidential-election-postal-voting-on-dec-23-24 The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 25 November 2014Postal Voting on December 23 and 24 http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-78678-news-detail-postal-voting-on-december-23-and-24.html Ceylon Today 26 November 2014 26 November 2014 24 August 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150824195612/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-78678-news-detail-postal-voting-on-december-23-and-24.html dead Foreign monitors were invited to observe the election but not from the United Nations.Sri Lanka not to invite UN monitors for presidential polls https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/Sri-Lanka-not-to-invite-UN-monitors-for-presidential-polls/article60097191.ece The Hindu Indo-Asian News Service 25 November 2014 Electoral system The Sri Lankan president is elected using a form of instant-runoff voting. Voters can rank up to three candidates, and if no candidate wins a majority in the first round of voting, the second and third preference votes from ballots whose first preference candidate was eliminated are used to determine the winner.Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka: Election for President (President) IFES There are 12,314 polling stations in the 22 electoral districts.The election for the Seventh President of Sri Lanka will be held today http://www.asiantribune.com/node/86188 Asian Tribune 8 January 2015 Concurrent events Papal visit The election had caused uncertainty over the planned visit of Pope Francis to Sri Lanka, due to take place from 13 to 15 January 2015.Pope's visit in the balance: Cardinal writes to President http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141019/news/popes-visit-in-the-balance-cardinal-writes-to-president-123267.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 19 October 2014 Prior to the election being called, the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka had urged all sides not to politicise the papal visit.Bastians Dharisha Don't politicise Pope's visit, urges Church http://www.ft.lk/2014/09/13/dont-politicise-popes-visit-urges-church/ Daily FT 13 November 2014 26 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141205020118/http://www.ft.lk/2014/09/13/dont-politicise-popes-visit-urges-church/ 5 December 2014 dead'Don't Politicise Pope Visit to Sri Lanka' http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/Dont-Politicise-Pope-Visit-to-Sri-Lanka/2014/09/12/article2427657.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20141014101942/http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/Dont-Politicise-Pope-Visit-to-Sri-Lanka/2014/09/12/article2427657.ece dead October 14, 2014 The New Indian Express Press Trust of India 12 September 2014 After the election had been called, posters appeared showing the Pope blessing Rajapaksa.Surendraraj Joshua Pope's visit: Church depends on God http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141123/news/popes-visit-church-depends-on-god-129305.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 23 November 2014Sirilal Ranga Aneez Shihar Sri Lanka's Catholic Church urges government not to use pope's visit to help election campaign https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sri-lanka-pope-politics-idUSKCN0J923720141125 Reuters 25 November 2014Sri Lankan church: Pope's visit not political, campaign posters of Francis should be removed https://www.foxnews.com/world/sri-lankan-church-popes-visit-not-political-campaign-posters-of-francis-should-be-removed/ Fox News Channel Associated Press 24 November 2014 The Catholic Church condemned the posters and called for their removal.Sri Lanka Catholics, monitor condemn use of pope's image on election posters http://www.ucanews.com/news/sri-lanka-catholics-monitor-condemn-use-of-popes-image-on-election-posters/72478 Union of Catholic Asian News 25 November 2014Don't use Pope's visit for political gains: Lanka Church http://zeenews.india.com/news/south-asia/dont-use-popes-visit-for-political-gains-lanka-church_1503772.html Zee News Press Trust of India 23 November 2014 2014–15 floods 2014–15 floods in Southeast Asia and South Asia In the last two weeks of December 2014, the Central, Eastern and Northern Provinces of Sri Lanka were hit by the worst floods since 1956, resulting in several deaths and the displacement of over one million people.Perera Yohan Jayasekera Sandun A. Floods: 24 killed, eight missing http://www.dailymirror.lk/59851/floods-24-killed-eight-missing The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 28 December 2014Fazlulhaq Nadia Calamity in 18 districts; 21 killed, one million displaced http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141228/news/calamity-in-18-districts-21-killed-one-million-displaced-129072.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 28 December 2014 Some local election monitoring groups expressed concerns that the displaced would be unable to vote at the election.Poll monitor writes to Election Commissioner regarding impact of current floods on voting http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec28_1419738656CH.php Colombo Page 28 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231021351/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec28_1419738656CH.php usurped However, the Election Commissioner said that no candidate, their representative or lawyers had complained and that there was no reason to postpone the election.Jan 8, fixed to hold the election http://www.dailymirror.lk/59861/jan-8-fixed-to-hold-the-election The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 28 December 2014Edirisinghe Dasun No reason for postponing election – Polls Chief http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=116861 The Island (Sri Lanka) 31 December 2014 Candidates Nineteen nominations were received from by the Elections Department on 8 December 2014, all of which were accepted.Mallawarachi Bharatha 19 Candidates Vie for Sri Lankan Presidency https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/19-candidates-race-sri-lankan-presidency-27436802 ABC News Associated Press 8 December 2014Rajapaksa, Sirisena, 17 others hand over nominations for SL presidency http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=37533 TamilNet 8 December 2014 Seventeen candidates were from registered political parties and two were independents.Nominations for Presidential Polls close http://www.sundaytimes.lk/news-online/president-maithripala-hand-nominations.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 8 December 2014 8 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150320202651/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/news-online/president-maithripala-hand-nominations.html 20 March 2015 dead Mahinda Rajapaksa thumb|right|Rajapaksa election posters The incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa ran as the UPFA candidate, seeking an unprecedented third term.Jayakody Ruwan Laknath Mahinda in the Fray http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-75958-news-detail-mahinda-in-the-fray.html Ceylon Today 21 October 2014 21 October 2014 24 August 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150824195625/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-75958-news-detail-mahinda-in-the-fray.html deadParty rebel to challenge Rajapaksa http://gulftoday.ae/portal/65ec8441-3bff-4696-99ae-a9efe2a4395e.aspx The Gulf Today Agence France-Presse 22 November 2014 21 November 2014 29 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129112041/http://gulftoday.ae/portal/65ec8441-3bff-4696-99ae-a9efe2a4395e.aspx dead He also received the endorsement of a number of small constituent parties of the UPFA including the Ceylon Workers' Congress,Tamil party to support Rajapaksa in polls https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/Tamil-party-to-support-Rajapaksa-in-Sri-Lanka-polls/article60386331.ece The Hindu Press Trust of India 16 October 2014 Communist Party,Communist Party pledges its support for President Rajapaksa http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=114053 The Island (Sri Lanka) 13 November 2014 21 November 2014 29 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129050703/http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=114053 dead Lanka Sama Samaja Party,Herath Anuradha But wants Exec. Presidency abolished http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-77047-news-detail-but-wants-exec-presidency-abolished.html Ceylon Today 5 November 2014 21 November 2014 24 August 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150824195615/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-77047-news-detail-but-wants-exec-presidency-abolished.html dead National Freedom Front,Wimal to back MR http://www.dailymirror.lk/54465/wimal-says-backing-mr The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 19 October 2014 National Union of Workers,NUW pledges support for President Rajapaksa at upcoming elections http://newsfirst.lk/english/2014/10/national-union-workers-support-president-rajapaksa-presidential-election-watch-report/59889 News First 25 October 2014 21 November 2014 29 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129084204/http://newsfirst.lk/english/2014/10/national-union-workers-support-president-rajapaksa-presidential-election-watch-report/59889 dead and the Up-Country People's Front.Upcountry Tamil party to support President at elections http://www.ft.lk/2014/11/11/upcountry-tamil-party-to-support-president-at-elections/ Daily FT 11 November 2014 21 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20160328194317/http://www.ft.lk/2014/11/11/upcountry-tamil-party-to-support-president-at-elections 28 March 2016 dead dmy-all On nomination day, two opposition MPs, Tissa Attanayake and Jayantha Ketagoda, defected to the government to support Rajapaksa.Edirisinghe Dasun Tissa, Ketagoda join UPFA http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=115628 The Island (Sri Lanka) 9 December 2014 17 December 2014 9 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141209020444/http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=115628 deadPanchalingam Ariram Tissa and Ketagoda to support President Mahinda Rajapaksa http://newsfirst.lk/english/2014/12/tissa-ketagoda-support-president-mahinda-rajapaksa-watch-video/66442 News First 8 December 2014 17 December 2014 3 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150103103757/http://newsfirst.lk/english/2014/12/tissa-ketagoda-support-president-mahinda-rajapaksa-watch-video/66442 dead Attanayake was later appointed Minister of Health — the post previously held by Sirisena.Tissa sworn in as Health Minister http://www.dailymirror.lk/58695/tissa-new-health-minister The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 11 December 2014Tissa Attanayake sworn in as Minister of Health http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/36114-tissa-attanayake-sworn-in-as-minister-of-health.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 11 December 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141213234730/http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/36114-tissa-attanayake-sworn-in-as-minister-of-health.html 13 December 2014 Rajapaksa had also received the support of Buddhist extremist group Bodu Bala Sena.Jayakody Ruwan Laknath BBS pledges support to MR http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80654-news-detail-bbs-pledges-support-to-mr.html Ceylon Today 25 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030755/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80654-news-detail-bbs-pledges-support-to-mr.html dead The Jathika Hela Urumaya withdrew from UPFA government on 18 November 2014, citing Rajapaksa's refusal to reform the executive presidency and enact reforms to promote accountability.JHU breaks away from Rajapaksa's ruling UPFA http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=37489 TamilNet 18 November 2014Buddhist party quits Sri Lanka government http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2014/11/buddhist-party-quits-sri-lanka-government-2014111894525420326.html Al Jazeera 18 November 2014Key Rajapaksa ally quits Lanka's ruling coalition http://zeenews.india.com/news/south-asia/key-rajapaksa-ally-quits-lankas-ruling-coalition_1501000.html Zee News Agence France-Presse 18 November 2014Huge crowd at campaign against Ex. Presidency http://www.dailymirror.lk/56349/huge-crowd-at-campaign-against-executive-presidency DailyMirror Sri Lanka 12 November 2014 After much hesitation, the All Ceylon Muslim Congress and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress also withdrew from the UPFA government, on 22 and 28 December 2014 respectively, blaming the government's failure to protect Sri Lankan Muslims from Sinhalese Buddhist extremists.Srinivasan Meera Rajapaksa's Muslim ally defects to opposition https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/Another-Cabinet-Minister-defects-ahead-of-Sri-Lanka-poll/article60320303.ece The Hindu 22 December 2014Sri Lanka's biggest Muslim party ditches Rajapaksa https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/28/sri-lankas-biggest-muslim-party-ditches-rajapaksa The Guardian Associated Press 28 December 2014SLMC to support Sirisena, Hakeem resigns ministerial portfolio http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=37559 TamilNet 28 December 2014 Rajapaksa released his manifesto, titled Mahinda's Vision — The World Winning Path, on 23 December 2014 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall.MR launches manifesto http://www.dailymirror.lk/59581/mr-launches-manifesto The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 23 December 2014Sri Lankan President launches election manifesto http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec23_1419312837CH.php Colombo Page 23 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030427/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec23_1419312837CH.php usurped In the manifesto, Rajapaksa pledges to introduce a new constitution within one year of being elected, but no abolition of the executive presidency — it will instead be amended and the "weakness" in the parliamentary system eliminated.As crucial election nears, main candidates gear up for final lap http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141228/columns/as-crucial-election-nears-main-candidates-gear-up-for-final-lap-128947.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 28 December 2014Sri Lankan leader promises reforms to presidency http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11378534 The New Zealand Herald Associated Press 24 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://archive.today/20141231000908/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11378534 31 December 2014 dead dmy-allMahinda's Vision - The World Winning Path http://www.mahinda2015.com/download-files.html?id=5294 mahinda2015.com 17 2014-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031032/http://www.mahinda2015.com/download-files.html?id=5294 2016-03-04 usurped A naval force and a special security force would be set up, with the help of the army, to tackle drug trafficking and other organised crime.Mahinda's Vision - The World Winning Path http://www.mahinda2015.com/download-files.html?id=5294 mahinda2015.com 25 2014-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031032/http://www.mahinda2015.com/download-files.html?id=5294 2016-03-04 usurped The manifesto also pledges to establish a transparent, judicial inquiry into alleged war crimes during the final stages of the Sri Lankan civil war, but Rajapaksa refused to co-operate with UN investigation.Srinivasan Meera Ahead of polls, Rajapaksa promises inquiry into war crime allegations https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/rajapaksa-promises-to-reform-presidency-if-reelected/article6719397.ece The Hindu 23 December 2014Sri Lanka's president 'promises' inquiry into death of civilians http://www.themalaymailonline.com/world/article/sri-lankas-president-promises-inquiry-into-death-of-civilians The Malay Mail Agence France-Presse 23 December 2014Mahinda's Vision - The World Winning Path http://www.mahinda2015.com/download-files.html?id=5294 mahinda2015.com 14 2014-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031032/http://www.mahinda2015.com/download-files.html?id=5294 2016-03-04 usurped Maithripala Sirisena 250px|right|Swan symbol of the New Democratic Front, also used by Common opposition Presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka in 2010. In the run up to the election being called, several names had been suggested for nomination as the common opposition candidate: former president Chandrika Kumaratunga, UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, UNP Leadership Council Chairman Karu Jayasuriya, former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake and leader of the National Movement for Social Justice Maduluwawe Sobitha Thero.Extremist Buddhist movement in Sri Lanka says Ranil is the most suitable common candidate http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Nov19_1416336176CH.php Colombo Page 19 November 2014 21 November 2014 20 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141120205010/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Nov19_1416336176CH.php usurpedWho should the opposition field as common candidate at Presidential Election? http://www.adaderana.lk/yourvoice/who-should-the-opposition-field-as-common-candidate-at-presidential-election/ Ada Derana 3 October 2014 21 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141217121600/http://www.adaderana.lk/yourvoice/who-should-the-opposition-field-as-common-candidate-at-presidential-election/ 17 December 2014 dead dmy-all However, on 21 November 2014, after the election had been called, Maithripala Sirisena was revealed as the common opposition candidate by the UNP.I'm the common candidate: Maithripala http://www.dailymirror.lk/budget/57103 Daily Mirror 21 November 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141217021008/http://www.dailymirror.lk/budget/57103 17 December 2014Dalima Bella UNP to extend their support to Maithirpala Sirisena http://newsfirst.lk/english/2014/11/unp-extend-support-maithirpala-sirisena/63954 News First 21 November 2014 21 November 2014 4 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304024906/http://newsfirst.lk/english/2014/11/unp-extend-support-maithirpala-sirisena/63954 dead Sirisena had been Minister of Health in Rajapaksa's government and general secretary of the SLFP before defecting to the opposition coalition.Maithiripala Sirisena of SLFP emerges as common opposition candidate contesting Rajapaksa http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=37495 TamilNet 21 November 2014Edirisinghe Dasun Maithripala promises to scrap presidency within 100 days http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=114605 The Island (Sri Lanka) 22 November 2014 Sirisena immediately received the support of former president Chandrika Kumaratunga and several UPFA MPs that had defected alongside him (Duminda Dissanayake, M. K. D. S. Gunawardena, Wasantha Senanayake, Rajitha Senaratne, Rajiva Wijesinha).Maithripala named common candidate http://www.nation.lk/edition/latest-top-stories/item/35382-maithripala-named-common-candidate.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 21 November 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141129040752/http://www.nation.lk/edition/latest-top-stories/item/35382-maithripala-named-common-candidate.html 29 November 2014Dalima Bella I am the common candidate: Maithripala Sirisena http://newsfirst.lk/english/2014/11/common-candidate-maithripala-sirisena/63900 News First 21 November 2014 21 November 2014 20 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160220041742/http://newsfirst.lk/english/2014/11/common-candidate-maithripala-sirisena/63900 deadChandrika, Rajitha, Arjuna, Rajeeva, M K D S and Dumindha Dissanayaka join Maithripala http://www.hirunews.lk/goldfmnews/97592/chandrika-rajitha-arjuna-rajeeva-m-k-d-s-dumindha-dissanayaka-join-maithripala Hiru News 21 November 2014 21 November 2014 https://archive.today/20141121210910/http://www.hirunews.lk/goldfmnews/97592/chandrika-rajitha-arjuna-rajeeva-m-k-d-s-dumindha-dissanayaka-join-maithripala 21 November 2014 dead dmy-all Sirisena and the other UPFA MPs were stripped of their ministerial positions and expelled from the SLFP.SLFP rebels stripped of posts and party membership http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/35387-slfp-rebels-stripped-of-posts-and-party-membership.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 21 November 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150125124038/http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/35387-slfp-rebels-stripped-of-posts-and-party-membership.html 25 January 2015Sri Lanka Presidential Election Set for January 8 Next Year http://www.ndtv.com/article/world/sri-lanka-presidential-election-set-for-january-8-next-year-624180 NDTV Press Trust of India 21 November 2014Maithripala and others sacked http://www.dailymirror.lk/57117/maithripala-and-others-sacked The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 21 November 2014 On 30 November, minister Navin Dissanayake resigned from the UPFA government and defected to the opposition to support Sirisena.Ferdinando Shamindra Navin joins Opp campaign to abolish presidency http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=115169 The Island 1 December 2014 2 December 2014 13 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141213153037/http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=115169 deadOpposition parties launch bid to topple Rajapakse http://www.gulf-times.com/sri%20lanka/251/details/418253/opposition-parties-launch-bid-to-topple-rajapakse Gulf Times Agence France-Presse 30 November 2014 Two deputy ministers, Palani Digambaran and Velusami Radhakrishnan, resigned from the UPFA government on 10 December 2014 to support Sirisena.Ferdinando Shamindra Two deputy ministers quit; CWC suffers split http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=115736 The Island 11 December 2014 17 December 2014 13 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141213153721/http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=115736 deadDigambaram, Radhakrishnan back Maithripala http://www.nation.lk/edition/pc-election-2014/item/36104-digambaram-radhakrishnan-back-maithripala.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 10 December 2014 17 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141217223336/http://www.nation.lk/edition/pc-election-2014/item/36104-digambaram-radhakrishnan-back-maithripala.html 17 December 2014 dead Two other deputy ministers, Faiszer Musthapha and Nandimithra Ekanayake, resigned from the UPFA government on 31 December 2014 and 1 January 2015 respectively, to support Sirisena.Srinivasan Meera Deputy Minister in Rajapaksa govt. defects to Opposition http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/deputy-minister-in-rajapaksa-govt-defects-to-opposition/article6743396.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20160131010544/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-international/deputy-minister-in-rajapaksa-govt-defects-to-opposition/article6743396.ece live January 31, 2016 The Hindu subscription 1 January 2015Video: Nandimithra Ekanayake for Maitri http://www.dailymirror.lk/60153/nandimithra-ekanayake-for-maitri The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 1 January 2015Warnakulasuriya Deepal Deputy Minister Nandimithra joins Maithri camp http://www.nation.lk/edition/component/k2/item/36790-deputy-minister-nandimithra-joins-maithri-camp.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 1 January 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150101195850/http://www.nation.lk/edition/component/k2/item/36790-deputy-minister-nandimithra-joins-maithri-camp.html 1 January 2015 Sirisena received the support of UPFA MP Achala Jagodage on 2 January 2015.Achala Jagoda joins Maithri http://www.dailymirror.lk/60247/achala-jagoda-joins-maithri The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 2 January 2015Achala Jagoda to support Maithri http://www.nation.lk/edition/component/k2/item/36800-achala-jagoda-to-support-maithri.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 2 January 2015 3 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150106081013/http://www.nation.lk/edition/component/k2/item/36800-achala-jagoda-to-support-maithri.html 6 January 2015 dead Sirisena pledged to abolish the executive presidency within 100 days of being elected, repeal the controversial eighteenth amendment, re-instate the seventeenth amendment and appoint UNP leader Ranil Wickremasinghe as Prime Minister.Bastians Dharisha No Maithri for Mahinda http://www.ft.lk/2014/11/22/no-maithri-for-mahinda/ Daily FT 22 November 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141129070825/http://www.ft.lk/2014/11/22/no-maithri-for-mahinda/ 29 November 2014Mallawarachi Bharatha Sri Lanka leader to face health minister in polls http://www.sfchronicle.com/news/world/article/Sri-Lanka-leader-to-face-health-minister-in-polls-5908495.php#/0 San Francisco Chronicle Associated Press 21 November 2014 21 November 2014 29 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129024704/http://www.sfchronicle.com/news/world/article/Sri-Lanka-leader-to-face-health-minister-in-polls-5908495.php#/0 deadSrinivasan Meera Chandrika returns to politics https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/chandrika-returns-to-politics/article6622566.ece The Hindu 22 November 2014 On 1 December 2014, Sirisena signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 36 opposition parties and civic groups promising to abolish the executive presidency, hold parliamentary elections, form an all-party national government and carry out various political reforms.Srinivasan Meera Sri Lankan Opposition closes ranks https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/Maithripala-Sirisena-vows-to-scrap-presidential-system-in-Sri-Lanka/article60320310.ece The Hindu 1 December 2014Mudugamuwa Maheesha Opposition parties inkpact; JHU, JVP absent http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=115198 The Island (Sri Lanka) 2 December 2014 Signatories to the MOU included the UNP, Sarath Fonseka's Democratic Party, Democratic People's Front, Azath Salley's Muslim Tamil National Alliance, Free Media Movement, Federation of University Teachers Association as well as dissident groups of the LSSP and Communist Party.Bastians Dharisha Common cry! http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/02/common-cry/ Daily FT 2 December 2014 2 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141213021232/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/02/common-cry/ 13 December 2014 dead dmy-allBalachandran P. K. Lankan Opposition Parties Enter Into Pre-election MoU http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2014/12/02/Lankan-Opposition-Parties-Enter-Into-Pre-election-MoU/article2551011.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20151029225140/http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2014/12/02/Lankan-Opposition-Parties-Enter-Into-Pre-election-MoU/article2551011.ece dead October 29, 2015 The New Indian Express 2 December 2014 The following day, the JHU announced that it would support Sirisena in the presidential election.Pothmulla Lahiru Video: JHU for Maithri; Champika http://www.dailymirror.lk/57865/jhu-for-maithri-champika The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 2 December 2014JHU backs Common Candidate http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/35820-jhu-backs-common-candidate.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 2 December 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141213012306/http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/35820-jhu-backs-common-candidate.html 13 December 2014 On 30 December 2014 the Tamil National Alliance, the largest political party representing the Sri Lankan Tamil people, endorsed Sirisena.Tamil party endorses opposition in Lanka elections http://www.gulf-times.com/sri%20lanka/251/details/421527/tamil-party-endorses-opposition-in-lanka-elections Gulf Times Agence France-Presse 30 December 2014 Sirisena contested as a New Democratic Front (NDF) candidate under its swan symbol,Video: Maithri makes deposit; Contests under 'swan' http://www.dailymirror.lk/57907/maithri-makes-deposit-contests-under-swan The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 2 December 2014Moramudali Umesh Common Candidate to contest under 'Swan' http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-79096-news-detail-common-candidate-to-contest-under-swan.html Ceylon Today 2 December 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150108112823/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-79096-news-detail-common-candidate-to-contest-under-swan.html 8 January 2015 just as common opposition candidate Sarath Fonseka had done in the previous election.Jolted UPFA takes countermeasures; Maithripala campaign begins today http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141130/columns/jolted-upfa-takes-countermeasures-maithripala-campaign-begins-today-130178.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 30 November 2014 Sirisena released his manifesto, titled A Compassionate Maithri Governance — A Stable Country, on 19 December 2014 during a rally at Viharamahadevi Park.Video: Maithri launches manifesto http://www.dailymirror.lk/59323/maithri-launches-manifesto The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 19 December 2014Imtiaz Zahrah Maithri's 100-day 3 phase manifesto http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80328-news-detail-maithris-100-day-3-phase-manifesto.html Ceylon Today 20 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030845/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80328-news-detail-maithris-100-day-3-phase-manifesto.html dead The main pledge in his manifesto was the replacement of the executive presidency with a Westminster style cabinet, but the manifesto acknowledged that Sirisena would need the support of the parliament to amend the constitution.'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country' http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf maithripalas.com 14 2014-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030034/http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf 2014-12-31 dead The manifesto also makes a commitment to replace the open list proportional representation system with a mixture of first-past-the-post and PR for electing MPs. Independent commissions would be established to oversee the judiciary, police, elections department, Auditor-General's Department and Attorney-General's Department.'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country' http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf maithripalas.com 16 2014-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030034/http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf 2014-12-31 deadAneez Shihar Sri Lanka presidential challenger vows to cancel Crown casino license https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sri-lanka-politics-idUSKBN0JX1LZ20141219 Reuters 19 December 2014 The Commission on Bribery and Corruption would be strengthened and political diplomatic appointments annulled.'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country' http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf maithripalas.com 44 2014-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030034/http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf 2014-12-31 dead Populist measures in the manifesto included a commitment to write-off 50% of farmers' loans, reduce fuel prices by removing taxes and a salary increase of Rs.10,000 for public servants.Sri Lanka opposition to address war crimes concerns http://www.arabnews.com/news/676946 Agence France-Presse Arab News 19 December 2014'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country' http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf maithripalas.com 31 2014-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030034/http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf 2014-12-31 dead'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country' http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf maithripalas.com 56 2014-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030034/http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf 2014-12-31 dead Public spending on health would increase from 1.8% of GDP to 3% of GDP whilst that on education would increase from 1.7% of GDP to 6% of GDP.'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country' http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf maithripalas.com 36 2014-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030034/http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf 2014-12-31 dead'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country' http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf maithripalas.com 40 2014-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030034/http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf 2014-12-31 dead The manifesto also stated that the casino licences granted to Kerry Packer's Crown Resort and John Keells Holdings's Water Front would be cancelled.'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country' http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf maithripalas.com 24 2014-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030034/http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf 2014-12-31 dead Political victims during Rajapaks's rule, such as Sarath Fonseka and Shirani Bandaranayake, would be re-appointed.'A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country' http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf maithripalas.com 53 2014-12-31 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030034/http://www.maithripalas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Manifesto-English-for-proof-reading.pdf 2014-12-31 dead In a separate document, Sirisena pledged that, whilst resisting any international investigation, he would establish an independent domestic inquiry into the alleged war crimes during the final stages of the Sri Lankan civil war.Sri Lanka elections: Sirisena pledges war crime inquiry https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/Sri-Lanka-elections-Sirisena-pledges-war-crime-inquiry/article60320302.ece The Hindu Associated Press 19 December 2014 Minor candidates The remaining seventeen candidates were from minor political parties or independents.Nineteen candidates file nominations http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/36039-nineteen-candidates-file-nominations.html https://archive.today/20141208211956/http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/36039-nineteen-candidates-file-nominations.html dead 8 December 2014 The Nation (Sri Lanka) 8 December 2014Presidential Election 2015 http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141207/news/presidential-election-2015-131685.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 7 December 2014 Candidate Party Symbol Notes Wimal Geenage Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Sri Lanka National FrontRajapaksa dummy candidate. Aithurus M. Illias Independent Independent Former SLMC MP for Jaffna. Presidential candidate in 2010 (endorsed Sarath Fonseka). Siritunga Jayasuriya United Socialist Party (Sri Lanka) United Socialist Party Presidential candidate in 2005 and 2010. Jayantha Kulathunga United Lanka Great Council United Lanka Great CouncilRajapaksa dummy candidate. A. S. P. Liyanage Sri Lanka Labour Party Sri Lanka Labour Party Presidential candidate in 2010. Rajapaksa dummy candidate. Sundaram Mahendran Nava Sama Samaja Party Nava Sama Samaja PartySirisena dummy candidate. Sarath Manamendra New Sinhala Heritage New Sinhala Heritage Presidential candidate in 2010. Endorsed Mahinda Rajapaksa on 30 December 2014.Sarath Manamendra pledges support to Rajapaksa http://www.nation.lk/edition/component/k2/item/36767-sarath-manamendra-pledges-support-to-rajapaksa.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 30 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030841/http://www.nation.lk/edition/component/k2/item/36767-sarath-manamendra-pledges-support-to-rajapaksa.html 31 December 2014 deadManamendra to back MR http://www.dailymirror.lk/60009/manamendra-to-back-mr The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 30 December 2014 Maulawi Ibrahim Mohanmed Mishlar United Peace Front United Peace Front Duminda Nagamuwa Frontline Socialist Party Frontline Socialist PartyPropaganda Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party. Ruwanthileke Peduru United Lanka People's Party United Lanka People's Party Anurudha Polgampola Independent Independent Former JVP/UPFA MP for Kegalle. Prasanna Priyankara Democratic National Movement Democratic National Movement Namal Ajith Rajapaksa Our National Front Battaramulle Seelarathana Janasetha Peramuna Jana Setha Peramuna Tractor Presidential candidate in 2010 (endorsed Mahinda Rajapaksa). Ratnayake Arachchige Sirisena Patriotic National Front Muthu Bandara Theminimulla New Independent Front All Are Citizens, All Are Kings Organisation Presidential candidate in 2010. Pani Wijesiriwardene Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka) Socialist Equality Party Many of the minor candidates were merely "dummy candidates" for the two main candidates, who were fielded by the main candidates to obtain the maximum benefits of being a candidate, such as free slots on state television, two agents at every polling booth and assigning counting agents.UPFA, NDF all set for do-or-die battle on Jan. 8 http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141207/columns/upfa-ndf-all-set-for-do-or-die-battle-on-jan-8-131519.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 7 December 2014 Conduct The 2015 election, like past Sri Lankan elections, was characterized by violence, misuse of state resources and other violations of election laws.Update Briefing Asia Briefing N°145 - Sri Lanka's Presidential Election: Risks and Opportunities http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/south-asia/sri-lanka/b145-sri-lanka-s-presidential-election-risks-and-opportunities International Crisis Group 5 9 December 2014 17 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141217224058/http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/south-asia/sri-lanka/b145-sri-lanka-s-presidential-election-risks-and-opportunities 17 December 2014 deadIOR 41/041/2014 UN Human Rights Council: Forum on Minority Issues - Seventh Session 25 – 26 November 2014 https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/ior41/041/2014/en/ Amnesty International 26 November 2014Police inaction despite evidence spirals attacks on Opposition supporters http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141207/news/police-inaction-despite-evidence-spirals-attacks-on-opposition-supporters-131680.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 7 December 2014Transparency International Sri Lanka lists polls violations http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/16/transparency-international-sri-lanka-lists-polls-violations/ Daily FT 16 December 2014 17 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141217222637/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/16/transparency-international-sri-lanka-lists-polls-violations/ 17 December 2014 dead Local election monitoring groups described the violations as shameless and condemned the police for their inaction.Jayasinghe Uditha "Shameless" violations, say monitors http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/12/shameless-violations-say-monitors/ Daily FT 12 December 2014 17 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141217222839/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/12/shameless-violations-say-monitors/ 17 December 2014 dead The government accused some local election monitoring groups of being biased in favour of Sirisena and of being funded by foreign countries.Edirisinghe Dasun UPFA accuses some monitors of being biased in favour of opposition candidate http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=116044 The Island (Sri Lanka) 16 December 2014Sri Lanka ruling party accuses election monitors of bias http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/sri-lanka-ruling-party-accuses-election-monitors-of-bias-114121501089_1.html Business Standard Press Trust of India 15 December 2014 The International Crisis Group warned that the tighter the election, the more violent it would be, and in the event that Rajapaksa lost, he may turn to the military or the "politically-compliant" Supreme Court to retain power.Domínguez Gabriel Sri Lankan election - 'The tighter the race, the more violent it threatens to be' http://www.dw.de/sri-lankan-election-the-tighter-the-race-the-more-violent-it-threatens-to-be/a-18123365 Deutsche Welle 11 December 2014Srinivasan Meera 2 more MPs leave Rajapaksa government https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/2-more-MPs-leave-Rajapaksa-government/article60095127.ece The Hindu 11 December 2014 However, Rajapaksa stated that, although he expected not to lose, he would hand over power peacefully should he do so.Crabtree James Sri Lanka's leader pledges peaceful handover should he lose election https://www.ft.com/content/a7c93410-8683-11e4-9c2d-00144feabdc0 Financial Times 22 December 2014 UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the Sri Lankan government to ensure "the peaceful and credible conduct" of the election.As Sri Lanka heads to polls, UN chief calls for 'peaceful and credible' election https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=49702 UN News Centre 29 December 2014UN chief urges peaceful Sri Lanka vote http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/region/31-Dec-2014/un-chief-urges-peaceful-sri-lanka-vote Daily Times (Pakistan) Agence France-Presse 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231032140/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/region/31-Dec-2014/un-chief-urges-peaceful-sri-lanka-vote 31 December 2014 dead Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma called for "transparency, a level playing field, and adherence to the laws and norms that govern a credible and peaceful election".Commonwealth to observe Sri Lanka election http://thecommonwealth.org/media/press-release/commonwealth-observe-sri-lanka-election Commonwealth Secretariat 29 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231032630/http://thecommonwealth.org/media/press-release/commonwealth-observe-sri-lanka-election deadUN and Commonwealth call for peaceful Sri Lanka poll http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/12/30/un_and_commonwealth_call_for_peaceful_sri_lanka_poll/1116485 Vatican Radio 30 December 2014 The European Union's heads of mission in Colombo issued a joint statement on 2 January 2015 calling for a "peaceful, credible and transparent" election.Joint Local Statement on Sri Lanka's Presidential Election process http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/sri_lanka/documents/press_corner/20150102_01.pdf European Union 2 January 2015EU Asks Lanka to Hold Peaceful, Credible Polls http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/EU-Asks-Lanka-to-Hold-Peaceful-Credible-Polls/2015/01/03/article2600802.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20150828222716/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/EU-Asks-Lanka-to-Hold-Peaceful-Credible-Polls/2015/01/03/article2600802.ece dead August 28, 2015 The New Indian Express Press Trust of India 2 January 2015 By 31 December, 2014, the Campaign for Free and Fair Elections (CaFFE) had reported 1,007 incidents of election law violations, 105 of which were related to violence, including 19 incidents involving firearms.Sri Lankan government uses violence to deter opposition activities, election monitor charges http://www.colombopage.com/archive_15A/Jan02_1420137239CH.php Colombo Page 1 January 2015 3 January 2015 4 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150104195519/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_15A/Jan02_1420137239CH.php usurped CaFFE berated the police for seemingly allowing government supporters to attack the opposition.Rubatheesan S. Police allowing attacks on Opposition, watchdog charges http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141228/news/police-allowing-attacks-on-opposition-watchdog-charges-128962.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 28 December 2014 The People's Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) reported 730 cases of violations by 3 January 2015 including 197 incidents of violence.Presidential Election 2015 Violence Sheet http://www.paffrel.com/posters/15010316011803.pdf People's Action for Free and Fair Elections 3 January 2015 3 January 2015 4 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150104195457/http://www.paffrel.com/posters/15010316011803.pdf dead The Center for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) had recorded 420 incidents between 20 November 2014 and 5 January 2015.Siriwardana Ajith Rise in major incidents of election violence: CMEV http://www.dailymirror.lk/60529/ents-of-election-violence-cmev The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 7 January 2015 The police had received a total of 214 complaints by 2 January 2015 and arrested 92 people, whom were all subsequently released on bail.Rasooldeen M. D. Pre-poll violations on the rise in Sri Lanka http://www.arabnews.com/world/news/684086 Arab News 4 January 2015 According to analysts and opposition parties, Rajapaksa used the Sri Lankan military to depress opposition turnout, particularly amongst Tamils in the north and east of the country.Koutsoukis Jason Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa regime losing its grip https://www.smh.com.au/world/sri-lankas-rajapaksa-regime-losing-its-grip-20150102-12grvt.html The Sydney Morning Herald 2 January 2015Sri Lankan opposition claims army is trying to deter Tamil voters in north and east http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2015-01-02/sri-lankan-opposition-claims-army-is-trying-to-deter-tamil-voters-in-north-and-east/1403333 Radio Australia Agence France-Presse 2 January 2015 On 4 January 2015, international election monitors reported that they had received complaints of voter intimidation and that the army had set up 400 roadblocks to prevent Tamils from voting.Monitors fear voter intimidation before Sri Lanka election https://www.ucanews.com/news/monitors-fear-voter-intimidation-before-sri-lanka-election/72698 Union of Catholic Asian News Agence France-Presse 4 January 2015 After voting had finished, election commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya declared the poll to be "peaceful" and the election to be "free and fair".Video: Peaceful poll: EC http://www.dailymirror.lk/60733/peaceful-poll-ec The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 8 January 2015 However, according to the CMEV, some voters in the north were prevented from voting.Poll monitors say voters obstructed in northern Sri Lanka https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/Monitors-say-voters-obstructed-in-Sri-Lankan-election/article60333672.ece The Hindu Associated Press 8 January 2015 Election monitors 104 election monitors from the South Asian Election Monitoring Forum, South Asian Election Monitoring Association, Asian Election Monitoring Network and the Commonwealth arrived in Sri Lanka on 27 December 2014.Lanka ex-president warns of election 'skulduggery' http://www.gulf-times.com/sri%20lanka/251/details/420090/lanka-ex-president-warns-of-election-%E2%80%98skulduggery%E2%80%99 Gulf Times Agence France-Presse 16 December 2014 Monitors from the European Election Monitoring Association were also expected to be called upon.Over 100 election monitors to arrive in Sri Lanka http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec15_1418625534CH.php Colombo Page 15 December 2014 17 December 2014 16 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141216033839/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec15_1418625534CH.php usurped The Election Commissioner offered six election monitoring groups the opportunity to monitor the count at only 300 of the 1,200 counting centres.Over 100 election monitors to arrive in Sri Lanka http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/16/over-100-election-monitors-to-arrive-in-sri-lanka/ Daily FT 16 December 2014 17 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141217231149/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/16/over-100-election-monitors-to-arrive-in-sri-lanka/ 17 December 2014 deadKuruwita Rathindra 1,200 counting centres for presidential election Polls monitors offered only 300 http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-79652-news-detail-1200-counting-centres-for-presidential-election-polls-monitors-offered-only-300.html Ceylon Today 10 December 2014 17 December 2014 17 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141217223345/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-79652-news-detail-1200-counting-centres-for-presidential-election-polls-monitors-offered-only-300.html dead After polling, Commonwealth observers said the election was not fully democratic due to the inadequate electoral and legal framework and the unequal pre-electoral environment.Observers Say Polls Not Fully Democratic http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2015/01/11/observers-say-polls-not-fully-democratic/ The Sunday Leader 11 January 2015Sri Lanka's presidential elections were flawed says Commonwealth observers https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150111/world-neighbours/article/sri-lanka%E2%80%99s-recently-concluded-elections-were-flawed-says Deccan Chronicle Press Trust of India 11 January 2015 Violence A Buddhist vihara in Borella belonging to JHU MP Athuraliye Rathana Thero was attacked on 20 November 2014, two days after the JHU left the UPFA government.Buddhist Vihara of JHU parliamentarian attacked in South http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=37493 TamilNet 20 November 2014Stone attack at Sadaham Sewana Vihara of Rathana thero http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-78186-news-detail-stone-attack-at-sadaham-sewana-vihara-of-rathana-thero.html Ceylon Today 20 November 2014 21 November 2014 24 August 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150824195552/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-78186-news-detail-stone-attack-at-sadaham-sewana-vihara-of-rathana-thero.html deadRatana Thera stands his ground, refuses to hand over ashram http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=114568 The Island (Sri Lanka) 21 November 2014 21 November 2014 29 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129050710/http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=114568 dead On the evening of 21 November 2014, UNP member Chamila Ranasinghe was shot at Maggona in Payagala, as UNP supporters celebrated the crossover of UPFA MPs to the opposition.Cross over celebration ends in shooting http://www.dailymirror.lk/57121/cross-over-celebration-ends-in-shooting The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 21 November 2014Jayawardana Sandun suspects at large http://www.nation.lk/edition/news-online/item/35542-suspects-at-large.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 23 November 2014 26 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141205044955/http://www.nation.lk/edition/news-online/item/35542-suspects-at-large.html 5 December 2014 dead The houses of two UNP supporters from Madampe, Milton and Sudeh Priyankara, were shot at on the night of 22/23 November 2014.Two Shooting incidents in Madampe- CaFFE http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-78403-news-detail-two-shooting-incidents-in-madampe-caffe.html Ceylon Today 23 November 2014 26 November 2014 5 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141205085815/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-78403-news-detail-two-shooting-incidents-in-madampe-caffe.html deadTwo houses attacked in Madampe http://www.adaderana.lk/news/two-houses-attacked-in-madampe- Ada Derana 23 November 2014 26 November 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141125180424/http://www.adaderana.lk/news/two-houses-attacked-in-madampe- 25 November 2014 dead The office of UNP MP M. H. A. Haleem in Mawilmada was shot at in the early hours of 25 November 2014.Shooting at Katugasthota Mawilmada office http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-78599-news-detail-shooting-at-katugasthota-mawilmada-office.html Ceylon Today 25 November 2014 26 November 2014 5 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141205075827/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-78599-news-detail-shooting-at-katugasthota-mawilmada-office.html deadWimalasurendre Cyril UNP MP's office shot at http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=114898 The Island (Sri Lanka) 26 November 2014 A rice truck belonging Sirisena's brother Dudley Sirisena and its crew were attacked in Marandagahamula on 29 November 2014.Employees of Sirisena's brother attacked by unidentified group http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141130/news/employees-of-sirisenas-brother-attacked-by-unidentified-group-130238.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 30 November 2014Jayakody Ruwan Laknath Gooneratne Lankesh Govt. goes after Sirisena's campaign http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-78993-news-detail-govt-goes-after-sirisenas-campaign.html Ceylon Today 1 December 2014 2 December 2014 16 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141216120604/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-78993-news-detail-govt-goes-after-sirisenas-campaign.html dead A group of UNP supporters were attacked by UPFA supporters in Gelioya on the night of 30 November 2014.Kuruwita Rathindra Indrakumar Menaka Govt. goons attack Opposition supporters after maiden rally http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-79063-news-detail-govt-goons-attack-opposition-supporters-after-maiden-rally.html Ceylon Today 2 December 2014 2 December 2014 16 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141216120105/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-79063-news-detail-govt-goons-attack-opposition-supporters-after-maiden-rally.html dead UPFA local councillor Shiron Fernando, who had defected to the opposition to support Sirisena, was attacked at his home in Bolewatte near Wennappuwa.Crossed over ruling party politician assaulted in Sri Lanka http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec02_1417541402CH.php Colombo Page 2 December 2014 2 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141209011025/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec02_1417541402CH.php 9 December 2014 usurped On the morning of 17 December 2014, a stage that Sirisena had been intending to use for a rally at Wanduramba near Galle was set on fire along with a vehicle by an unidentified group, and three workers installing the stage were abducted.Wijeweera Sajeewa Maithri's rally sabotaged http://www.dailymirror.lk/59127/maithri-s-rally-sabotaged The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 17 December 2014Santiago Melanie Galle stage set to hold presidential candidate's rally set ablaze http://newsfirst.lk/english/2014/12/galle-stage-set-hold-presidential-candidates-rally-set-ablaze/67754 News First 17 December 2014 Three suspects were arrested but were then taken from police custody by Deputy Minister Nishantha Muthuhettigama.Muthuhettigama kidnaps suspects of Wanduramba attack- CaFFE http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-80302-news-detail-muthuhettigama-kidnaps-suspects-of-wanduramba-attack-caffe.html Ceylon Today 19 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231031722/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-80302-news-detail-muthuhettigama-kidnaps-suspects-of-wanduramba-attack-caffe.html deadSugathapala D. G. Muthuhettigama tries to take away arson suspects http://www.dailymirror.lk/59347/muthuhettigama-tries-to-take-away-arson-suspects The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 19 December 2014 Despite an arrest warrant being issued for his arrest, Muthuhettigama left Sri Lanka for Singapore on 26 December 2014.Muthuhettigama flies to Singapore http://www.dailymirror.lk/59743/muthuhettigama-leaves-for-singapore The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 26 December 2014Sri Lankan Deputy Minister defies court order for arrest, leaves for Singapore http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec26_1419584419CH.php Colombo Page 26 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231021250/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec26_1419584419CH.php usurpedThomas Kavindya Chris Indrakumar Menaka Muthuhettigama jumps to Singapore The great Escape http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80779-news-detail-muthuhettigama-jumps-to-singapore-the-great-escape.html Ceylon Today 27 December 2014 31 December 2014 30 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141230114411/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80779-news-detail-muthuhettigama-jumps-to-singapore-the-great-escape.html dead He was arrested on 28 December 2014 after returning to Sri Lanka but was released the following day.Muthu arrested on arrival http://www.dailymirror.lk/59837/muthu-arrested-on-arrival The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 28 December 2014Muthuhettigama arrested http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-80897-news-detail-muthuhettigama-arrested.html Ceylon Today 28 December 2014 31 December 2014 2 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150102134551/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-80897-news-detail-muthuhettigama-arrested.html deadUdakandage Pabasari Muthuhettigama released on bail http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-80970-news-detail-muthuhettigama-released-on-bail.html Ceylon Today 29 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231031728/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-80970-news-detail-muthuhettigama-released-on-bail.html deadSugathapala D. G. Mutuhettigama released on bail http://www.dailymirror.lk/59971/a-released-on-bail The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 29 December 2014 The UNP's headquarters Sirikotha was attacked on 24 December 2014 by members of the Patriotic National Front and the Federation of National Organizers (FNO), resulting in over 30 injuries on both sides.Govt. goons, UNP supporters clash outside Sirikotha http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/25/govt-goons-unp-supporters-clash-outside-sirikotha/ Daily FT 25 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231020744/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/25/govt-goons-unp-supporters-clash-outside-sirikotha/ 31 December 2014 deadKuruwita Rathindra WAR at SIRIKOTHA http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80653-news-detail-war-at-sirikotha.html Ceylon Today 25 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231031004/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80653-news-detail-war-at-sirikotha.html deadPerera Yohan Sanjeewa Darshana Tense situ at Sirikotha http://www.dailymirror.lk/59671/tense-situ-at-sirikotha The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 24 December 2014 The FNO is believed to be an affiliate of the National Freedom Front, a member of the UPFA government.Video: Wimal accuses media over Sirikotha clash http://www.dailymirror.lk/59729/video-wimal-accuses-media-over-sirikotha-clash The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 25 December 2014 On 20 December 2014, UPFA supporters attempted to sabotage an opposition rally in Haputale before attacking UNP supporters, resulting in five injuries.Indrakumar Menaka Thomas Kavindya Chris UNP-UPFA clash in Haputale http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80461-news-detail-unp-upfa-clash-in-haputale.html Ceylon Today 22 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231031732/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80461-news-detail-unp-upfa-clash-in-haputale.html deadUPFA-UNP clash in Haputale: Five UNP supporters injured http://www.dailymirror.lk/59387/upfa-unp-clash-in-haputale-five-unp-supporters-injured The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 20 December 2014 A group of opposition activists were attacked on 21 December 2014 at the bus halt in Hambantota by government supporters led by Hambantota mayor Eraj Ravindra Fernando.Jayaruk Krishan Jeewaka Opposition attacked at Hambantota protest http://www.dailymirror.lk/59403/opposition-attacked-at-hambantota-protest The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 21 December 2014Kuruwita Rathindra Thomas Kavindya Chris 'Toy-Gun' Mayor flexes his muscles http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80488-news-detail-toy-gun-mayor-flexes-his-muscles.html Ceylon Today 22 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231031620/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80488-news-detail-toy-gun-mayor-flexes-his-muscles.html dead Fernando was arrested the following day but released on bail on 24 December 2014.Hambantota Mayor arrested http://www.dailymirror.lk/59493/hambantota-mayor-arrested The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 22 December 2014Doole Cassendra 'Toy gun' Mayor Eraj arrested http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80558-news-detail-toy-gun-mayor-eraj-arrested.html Ceylon Today 23 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231031401/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80558-news-detail-toy-gun-mayor-eraj-arrested.html deadWijeratne Premalal Toy gun Mayor out on bail http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80661-news-detail-toy-gun-mayor-out-on-bail.html Ceylon Today 25 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231031716/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80661-news-detail-toy-gun-mayor-out-on-bail.html dead On the night of 23/24 December 2014, an unidentified group fired shots at the stage Sirisena had been intending to use for a rally at Kolonnawa.Riza Shaahidah Wijeratne Premalal Goons Target Maithri Campaign http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80664-news-detail-goons-target-maithri-campaign.html Ceylon Today 25 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030851/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80664-news-detail-goons-target-maithri-campaign.html deadGunshot fired at Maithri's election rally stage http://www.dailymirror.lk/59663/gunshot-fired-at-maithri-s-election-rally-stage The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 24 December 2014 Sirisena's election office in Batticaloa was attacked on the morning of 24 December 2014 by a group of around 30 unidentified people armed with firearms and petrol bombs.Common candidate's office in Batticaloa attacked http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec26_1419545335CH.php Colombo Page 26 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030425/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec26_1419545335CH.php usurped The house in Beruwala that former president Chandrika Kumaratunga and provincial councillor Hirunika Premachandra, who had defected to support Sirisena, were dining in was stoned by UPFA supporters on 26 December 2014.Indrakumar Menaka CBK, Hirunika attacked with stones http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80854-news-detail-cbk-hirunika-attacked-with-stones.html Ceylon Today 28 December 2014 31 December 2014 30 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141230214141/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-80854-news-detail-cbk-hirunika-attacked-with-stones.html dead Later that night, clashes broke out in Beruwala between UPFA and UNP supporters, resulting in the Special Task Force being deployed to the town the following day.STF deployed in Beruwela after clash between supporters of opposition parties http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec28_1419710130CH.php Colombo Page 28 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231021454/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec28_1419710130CH.php usurped Sirisena's election office in Irrakandi was attacked on the night of 27/28 December 2014.Opposition candidate's election office attacked in Trincomalee http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec29_1419792316CH.php Colombo Page 29 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231021134/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec29_1419792316CH.php usurped On the night of 28 December 2014, Sirisena supporters were attacked following a rally at Nidangala near Mahiyangana, resulting in three injuries.Riza Shaahidah Maithri supporters attacked http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-81028-news-detail-maithri-supporters-attacked.html Ceylon Today 30 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231031247/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/51-81028-news-detail-maithri-supporters-attacked.html deadGunasekara Jehan Maithri's Mahiyangana office attacked http://www.dailymirror.lk/59923/maithri-s-mahiyangana-office-attacked The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 29 December 2014 A group of artists distributing leaflets for Sirisena in Kumbukgate near Kurunegala were attacked by UPFA supporters on 29 December 2014 as police officers looked on.Wijeyesinghe Chathushika Sanjeewa Darshana Young artistes supporting Maithri attacked http://www.dailymirror.lk/59937/young-artistes-supporting-ms-attacked The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 29 December 2014Wijeyesinghe Chathushika Artistes tell of horrors in MR 'Disneyland' http://www.dailymirror.lk/60031/artistes-tell-of-horrors-in-mr-disneyland The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 30 December 2014 On 30 December 2014, clashes broke out in Polonnaruwa between two groups of Buddhist monks, one supporting Rajapaksa and the other Sirisena, during which an election monitor was attacked and threatened by supporters of Deputy Minister Siripala Gamalath.Election monitor attacked in Sri Lanka as Buddhist monks of opposing groups clash http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec30_1419961473CH.php Colombo Page 30 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231021424/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec30_1419961473CH.php usurped An opposition rally on 2 January 2015 in Pelmadulla was stoned by government supporters, seriously injuring at least 20, whilst Sirisena was addressing the rally.Sri Lanka opposition candidate escapes stoning http://www.arabnews.com/news/683796 Arab News Agence France-Presse 3 January 2015Stones pelted at Maithri's Pelmadulla rally http://www.dailymirror.lk/60293/stones-pelted-at-maithri-s-pelmadulla-rally The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 2 January 2015Maithri's Pelmadulla rally attacked; several injured http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/36808-maithris-pelmadulla-rally-attacked-several-injured.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 2 January 2015 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150111014733/http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/36808-maithris-pelmadulla-rally-attacked-several-injured.html 11 January 2015 Unidentified individuals fired shots at the house of UPFA provincial councillor Lakshman Wendaruwa, who had earlier pledged support for Sirisena, on the night of 2 January 2015, injuring a security guard.Borham Maneshka Shots fired at PC member Wendaruwa's house http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/36809-shots-fired-at-pc-member-wendaruwas-house.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 3 January 2015 3 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150104192533/http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/36809-shots-fired-at-pc-member-wendaruwas-house.html 4 January 2015 deadIrugalbandara Ramesh Shots fired at Provincial Councillor Wasantha Wendaruwa's residence http://newsfirst.lk/english/2015/01/just-shots-fired-provincial-councillor-wasantha-wendaruwas-residence/70579 News First 3 January 2015 As Sirisena was leaving a rally at Aralaganwila on 3 January 2015, a group of government supporters arrived in a jeep and fired shots at the rally, injuring a bystander and damaging vehicles.Sri Lanka opposition faces bullets ahead of key vote http://www.arabnews.com/world/news/684231 Arab News Agence France-Presse 3 January 2015Srinivasan Meera Gunshots 'heard' after Sirisena rally https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/gunshots-heard-after-sirisena-rally/article6751930.ece The Hindu 4 January 2015 On 5 January 2015, three people setting up a stage for a Sirisena rally in Kahawatta were injured when unidentified people fired shots at them.Three injured in election shooting at Kahawatta http://www.dailymirror.lk/60381/three-injured-in-election-shooting-at-kahawatta The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 5 January 2015 Arrest warrants were issued for three UPFA politicians, including deputy minister Premalal Jayasekara, in connection with the shooting.Magistrate orders arrest of Dy Minister Jayasekara http://www.dailymirror.lk/60389/magistrate-orders-the-arrest-of-dy-minister-jayasekara The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 5 January 2015 One of the victims, Shantha Dodamgoda, succumbed to injuries and died on 7 January 2015.Kahawatta shooting: one dead http://www.dailymirror.lk/60639/kahawatta-shooting-one-dead The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 7 January 2015Kahawatta shooting victim succumbs to injuries http://www.nation.lk/edition/component/k2/item/36987-kahawatta-shooting-victim-succumbs-to-injuries.html https://archive.today/20150118181258/http://www.nation.lk/edition/component/k2/item/36987-kahawatta-shooting-victim-succumbs-to-injuries.html dead 18 January 2015 The Nation (Sri Lanka) 7 January 2015 On election day, 8 January 2015, explosions were reported at three locations — Navaladi junction near Alvai, Nelukkulam Kalaimagal Maha Vidyalayam near Vavuniya and Beruwala.Election Day Is 'Peaceful' – Three incidents of using grenades http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2015/01/election-day-is-peaceful-three.html Sri Lanka Guardian 8 January 2015 Two women were assaulted by UPFA supporters, including deputy minister Sarana Gunawardena, in Yatiyana.Two women struck by UPFA Deputy Minister in the Attanagalle Electorate, three grenade explosions- CMEV http://www.colombopage.com/archive_15A/Jan08_1420726978CH.php Colombo Page 8 January 2015 8 January 2015 11 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150111052258/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_15A/Jan08_1420726978CH.php usurped Media abuse On 22 November 2014, PEO TV internet protocol television network (IPTV) and Dialog TV satellite television network had reportedly blocked the Sirasa TV from broadcasting the Satana programme, which interviewed opposition candidate Sirisena and several other members of the opposition.Sri Lanka's television service providers accused of blocking the common candidate's first interview ColomboPage 22 November 2014 Tisara Samal Somaratne, a journalist for Hiru TV and Ada newspaper, was attacked by UPFA supporters in Eppawala on 5 December 2014 and was later threatened by UPFA supporters whilst receiving hospital treatment.Journalist allegedly assaulted by UPFA supporters threatened in hospital http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141207/news/journalist-allegedly-assaulted-by-upfa-supporters-threatened-in-hospital-131557.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 7 December 2014 The 30 November 2014 edition of the Ravaya newspaper contained a story claiming that the State Intelligence Service had carried out a survey which showed that the opposition candidate would win the election by 59% to 41%.Jayawardana Sandun Ravaya lead rubbished 'We stand by our story' -- Ravaya http://www.nation.lk/edition/news-online/item/35784-ravaya-lead-rubbished-%E2%80%98we-stand-by-our-story%E2%80%99-ravaya.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 30 November 2014 17 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141208042448/http://www.nation.lk/edition/news-online/item/35784-ravaya-lead-rubbished-%E2%80%98we-stand-by-our-story%E2%80%99-ravaya.html 8 December 2014 dead The editor of the paper, K. W. Janaranjana, was later interrogated about the story by the Criminal Investigation Department.Ferdinando Shamindra Ravaya editor questioned over report on prez poll outcome http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=115676 The Island (Sri Lanka) 10 December 2014Ravaya editor questioned by CID http://www.dailymirror.lk/58463/ravaya-editor-questioned-by-cid The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 9 December 2014 According to Ravaya, newspaper distributors had been threatened not to sell the paper.Karunarathne Waruni Law-less' Election? http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2014/12/14/law-less-election/ The Sunday Leader 14 December 2014 17 December 2014 17 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141217224245/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2014/12/14/law-less-election/ deadRavaya Editor grilled by CID over election survey story http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/10/ravaya-editor-grilled-by-cid-over-election-survey-story/ Daily FT 10 December 2014 17 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141217231040/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/10/ravaya-editor-grilled-by-cid-over-election-survey-story/ 17 December 2014 dead On nomination day, 8 December 2014, all English and Sinhala language newspapers in the country carried a front-page promotion of Rajapaksa's war victory whilst Tamil language newspapers carried an advertisement showing Rajapaksa re-opening the railway line to Jaffna.Srinivasan Meera Rajapaksa, Sirisena file nominations as countdown begins for polls https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/Rajapaksa-Sirisena-file-nominations-as-countdown-begins-for-polls/article60350251.ece The Hindu 8 December 2014Winning votes: Sinhalese v Tamils http://www.tamilguardian.com/article.asp?articleid=13091 Tamil Guardian 8 December 2014 All TV stations in Sri Lanka had planned to broadcast Janapathi Janahamuwa, a programme featuring Rajapaksa, on the evening of 5 January 2015, the last legal day of campaigning, which would have prevented other candidates from having access TV.Sri Lanka: Mahinda takes over all TV channels http://www.srilankaguardian.org/2015/01/sri-lanka-mahinda-takes-over-all-tv.html Sri Lanka Guardian 2 January 2015Fernando Lahiru Maithripala Sirisena's lawyer questions airing of "Janapathi Janahamuwa" programme http://newsfirst.lk/english/2015/01/maithripala-sirisenas-lawyer-questions-airing-janapathi-janahamuwa-programme/70490 News First 2 January 2015 However, on 5 January 2015, the district court in Kaduwela issued an enjoining order barring the stations from broadcasting the programme.Fernando Susitha Farisz Hafeel Court bars President's TV show http://www.dailymirror.lk/60393/court-bars-president-s-tv-show The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 5 January 2015 Naushad Amith, a journalist working for Wijeya Newspapers, was assaulted by government supporters in Maligawatta on 6 January 2015 as police officers stood by.Farisz Hafeel Sanjeewa Darshana Journalist assaulted http://www.dailymirror.lk/60621/alist-assaulted The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 7 January 2015Warnakulasuriya Deepal Daily Mirror journalist attacked http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/36988-daily-mirror-journalist-attacked.html https://archive.today/20150118181230/http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/36988-daily-mirror-journalist-attacked.html dead 18 January 2015 The Nation (Sri Lanka) 7 January 2015 Misuse of state resources Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has documented incidents of state employees, including those from Road Development Authority and the Sri Lanka Civil Security Force, carrying out election propaganda work for the Rajapaksa campaign.Transparency Intl. Sri Lanka exposes pre-Presidential poll violations http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/04/transparency-intl-sri-lanka-exposes-pre-presidential-poll-violations/ Daily FT 4 December 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150824170821/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/04/transparency-intl-sri-lanka-exposes-pre-presidential-poll-violations/ 24 August 2015TISL complains to Elections Commissioner: RDA staff used for election propaganda work http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=115542 Sunday Island (Sri Lanka) 7 December 2014 TISL has also alleged that over 1,000 buses belonging to the state-owned Sri Lanka Transport Board had been used to transport people over long distances to attend Rajapaksa rallies.Transparency International of Sri Lanka complains against President's massive violations of election regulations http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec15_1418633334JR.php Colombo Page 15 December 2014 17 December 2014 16 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141216031851/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec15_1418633334JR.php usurpedTISL writes to Transport Secy. over misuse of SLTB buses for polls work http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/17/tisl-writes-to-transport-secy-over-misuse-of-sltb-buses-for-polls-work/ Daily FT 17 December 2014 17 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141217222538/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/17/tisl-writes-to-transport-secy-over-misuse-of-sltb-buses-for-polls-work/ 17 December 2014 dead TISL complained to the Election Commissioner regarding state-owned TV stations (Rupavahini and Independent Television Network (ITN)) carrying live broadcasts of Rajapaksa rallies — a violation of election laws.Transparency International complains against massive violations of election regulations http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/16/transparency-international-complains-against-massive-violations-of-election-regulations/ Daily FT 16 December 2014 17 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141217231428/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/16/transparency-international-complains-against-massive-violations-of-election-regulations/ 17 December 2014 dead The Election Commissioner asked the state broadcasters not to broadcast programmes supporting Rajapaksa.Lanka's Election Commission raps state TV for being biased http://zeenews.india.com/news/south-asia/lankas-election-commission-raps-state-tv-for-being-biased_1513891.html Zee News Press Trust of India 12 December 2014Sri Lanka state TV warned over election coverage bias http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/asia/311453/sri-lanka-state-tv-warned-over-election-coverage-bias The Peninsula Agence France-Presse 14 December 2014 According to TISL, government officials distributed free mobile phones on behalf of the Rajapaksa campaign.TISL releases observations on misuse of public resources for Presidential poll http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/20/tisl-releases-observations-on-misuse-of-public-resources-for-presidential-poll/ Daily FT 20 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141220171750/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/20/tisl-releases-observations-on-misuse-of-public-resources-for-presidential-poll/ 20 December 2014 dead The UNP has alleged that employees of the state-owned Sri Lanka Ports Authority were used for election propaganda work for the Rajapaksa campaign.Rubathesan S. Presidential polls ahoy — All hands on deck at the SLPA http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141026/news/presidential-polls-ahoy-all-hands-on-deck-at-the-slpa-124640.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 26 October 2014Jabbar Zacki Govt. abusing Ports authority funds, staff, premises for presidential election – Yogarajan http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=112589 The Island (Sri Lanka) 22 October 2014 The Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (a pro-UNP trade union) has alleged that more than 1,000 employees of Colombo Port were transferred to carry out election work for the Rajapaksa campaign.Kamalendran Chris Port workers for poll work; labour hired; officials deny http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141130/news/port-workers-for-poll-work-labour-hired-officials-deny-130311.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 30 November 2014 Government employees were photographed by The Sunday Times putting up Rajapaksa posters on the Southern Expressway.Election violence and violation of election laws http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141123/news/election-violence-and-violation-of-election-laws-129267.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 23 November 2014 The newspaper also reported that several senior diplomats were recalled to Sri Lanka to help with the Rajapaksa campaign.Political diplomats recalled for polls work http://www.sundaytimes.lk/141207/news/political-diplomats-recalled-for-polls-work-131646.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 7 December 2014 CaFFE claimed that 44 prisoners from Galle Prison were used to erect the stage for a Rajapaksa rally at Kamburupitiya on 14 December 2014.Monitors cry foul over UPFA using prisoners for election work http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/16/monitors-cry-foul-over-upfa-using-prisoners-for-election-work/ Daily FT 16 December 2014 17 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141216093341/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/16/monitors-cry-foul-over-upfa-using-prisoners-for-election-work/ 16 December 2014 deadSri Lanka ruling party accused of using prisoners for election campaigns http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec15_1418657385CH.php Colombo Page 15 December 2014 17 December 2014 16 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141216032850/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec15_1418657385CH.php usurped CaFFE has also alleged that senior government officials openly campaigned for Rajapaksa.Sri Lankan government officials openly campaigning for President violating election laws - election monitors http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec29_1419794266CH.php Colombo Page 29 December 2014 31 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231021321/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Dec29_1419794266CH.php usurped Rajapaksa's manifesto launch on 23 December 2014 was broadcast live on the state-owned Rupavahini TV station.TISL complaints of violation of election law by state media http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/24/tisl-complaints-of-violation-of-election-law-by-state-media/ Daily FT 24 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231020557/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/24/tisl-complaints-of-violation-of-election-law-by-state-media/ 31 December 2014 dead Opposition parties alleged that the army was campaigning for Rajapaksa, a charge the army denied.Opposition accuses Army of political campaigning for President, Army denies http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/20/opposition-accuses-army-of-political-campaigning-for-president-army-denies/ Daily FT 20 December 2014 31 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141231030015/http://www.ft.lk/2014/12/20/opposition-accuses-army-of-political-campaigning-for-president-army-denies/ 31 December 2014 dead The army was found to have used state money to post Rajapaksa campaign propaganda to hundreds of thousands of soldiers and their families.Haviland Charles Is Rajapaksa facing defeat in Sri Lanka elections? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-30656219 BBC News 3 January 2015 The Sri Lankan government denied that state resources were being used on the Rajapaksa campaign.Sri Lanka denies using state coffers to help Rajapaksa http://www.timesofoman.com/News/44122/Article-Sri-Lanka-denies-using-state-coffers-to-help-Rajapaksa Times of Oman Agence France-Presse 12 December 2014 17 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141217225903/http://www.timesofoman.com/News/44122/Article-Sri-Lanka-denies-using-state-coffers-to-help-Rajapaksa 17 December 2014 deadSri Lanka denies poll allegations http://www.arabnews.com/world/news/673576 13 December 2014 Arab News Reuters Alleged role of R&AW It was alleged by Sri Lankan newspaper The Sunday Times that the Research and Analysis Wing, an Indian spy agency, had a played in role in uniting the opposition to bring about the defeat of Mahinda Rajapaksa. There had been growing concern in India over the increasing influence of its economic and military rival China in Sri Lankan affairs. Rajapaksa further upped the ante by allowing 2 Chinese submarines to dock in 2014, without informing India, in spite of a standstill agreement to this effect between India and Sri Lanka. The growing Chinese tilt of Rajapaksa was viewed by India with unease. It was alleged that R&AW Chief of Station in Colombo helped co-ordination of talks within the opposition, and convinced former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe not to stand against Rajapaksa, but instead to choose a common opposition candidate, who had better chances of winning. The agent was also alleged to have been in touch with Chandrika Kumaratunga, who played a key role in convincing Sirisena to be the common candidate. Further, it was alleged that the Rajapaksa government had expelled the involved R&AW Colombo station chief in the run-up to presidential election.Chalmers John Miglani Sanjeev 17 January 2015 Indian spy's role alleged in Sri Lankan president's election defeat Reuters US https://www.reuters.com/article/us-sri-lanka-election-india-insight-idUSKBN0KR03020150118 2 February 2015Singh Neha 18 January 2015 Sri Lanka Elections: Was India's RAW Behind Rajapaksa's Defeat? International Business Times http://www.ibtimes.co.in/sri-lanka-elections-was-indias-raw-behind-rajapaksas-defeat-620739 2 February 201515 January 2015 INdia's RAW joined hands of Ranil & Chandrika to settle on Mathiri as Opposition Candidate... Lanka Newspapers http://www.lankanewspapers.com/news/2015/1/91938_space.html 2 February 2015Chalmers John Miglani Sanjeev 19 January 2015 Indian spy expelled, accused of helping oust Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa Sydney Morning Herald Sydney https://www.smh.com.au/world/indian-spy-expelled-accused-of-helping-oust-sri-lankan-president-mahinda-rajapaksa-20150119-12t3jw.html 2 February 201519 January 2015 Beyond the rainbow revolution The Economist https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21639989-new-foreign-minister-new-era-his-country-beyond-rainbow-revolution 2 February 2015Anthony Jerome 18 January 2015 Indian spy accused of helping opposition win Sri Lanka elections International Business Times http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/indian-spy-accused-helping-oppsition-win-sri-lanka-elections-1483940 2 February 2015 These allegations were denied by the Indian Government19 January 2015 India denies RAW deal in Sri Lanka's recent elections Hindustan Times New Delhi http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/intel-agencies-deny-raw-official-s-hand-in-rajapaksa-s-defeat/article1-1308061.aspx dead 2 February 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150119055814/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/intel-agencies-deny-raw-official-s-hand-in-rajapaksa-s-defeat/article1-1308061.aspx January 19, 2015 and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.19 January 2015 SL election won by the people, not by RAW-Mangala Daily Mirror http://www.dailymirror.lk/61561/sri-lankan-election-won-by-the-people-not-by-raw-mangala 2 February 2015 Results Sirsena was declared the winner after receiving 51.28% of all votes cast compared to Rajapaksa's 47.58%.Sirisena to be sworn in as Sri Lanka's new president http://www.gulf-times.com/sri%20lanka/251/details/422619/sirisena-to-be-sworn-in-as-sri-lanka%27s-new-president Gulf Times Agence France-Presse 9 January 2015Balachandran P. K. Sirisena Finally Romps Home With 51.28 Per Cent http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/Sirisena-Finally-Romps-Home-With-51.28-Per-Cent/2015/01/09/article2611554.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20150111205553/http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/Sirisena-Finally-Romps-Home-With-51.28-Per-Cent/2015/01/09/article2611554.ece dead January 11, 2015 The New Indian Express 9 January 2015 Approximately 58% of Sinhalese voters voted for Rajapaksa while 84% of minority voters voted for Sirisena.http://www.argylex.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2015-Sri-Lanka-Presidential-Election-Analysis-Methodology-1.pdf Archived copy 2017-10-25 2017-12-15 https://web.archive.org/web/20171215064425/http://www.argylex.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2015-Sri-Lanka-Presidential-Election-Analysis-Methodology-1.pdf dead Voter turnout was 81.52%, higher than any previous Sri Lankan presidential election and significantly higher than the 2010 presidential election.Bastians Dharisha Sri Lanka blessed with Maithri http://www.ft.lk/2015/01/10/sri-lanka-blessed-with-maithri/ Daily FT 10 January 2015 11 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150111213802/http://www.ft.lk/2015/01/10/sri-lanka-blessed-with-maithri/ 11 January 2015 deadSomarathna Rasika Maithripala victorious in Presidential Poll http://dailynews.lk/?q=local/maithripala-victorious-presidential-poll Daily News (Sri Lanka) 10 January 2015 5 September 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20150111213836/http://dailynews.lk/?q=local%2Fmaithripala-victorious-presidential-poll 11 January 2015 dead Sirsena won in 12 electoral districts whilst Rajapaksa won in the remaining 10.Philips Rajan The People's Verdict: Poetic Justice and the Path Ahead http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=117430 Sunday Island (Sri Lanka) 10 January 2015 Rajapaksa had earlier conceded defeat after meeting Wickremesinghe and assured him of a smooth transition of power.Rajapaksa concedes defeat in Sri Lanka vote http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2015/01/rajapaksa-concedes-defeat-sri-lanka-vote-20151911423615440.html Al Jazeera 9 January 2015Burke Jason Sri Lanka election: shock as president Mahinda Rajapaksa concedes defeat https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/09/sri-lanka-election-shock-as-president-mahinda-rajapaksa-concedes-defeat The Guardian 9 January 2015 Rajapaksa then left his official residence, the Temple Trees.Srinivasan Meera Sri Lanka election: Rajapaksa concedes defeat https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/Sri-Lanka-election-Mahinda-Rajapaksa-concedes-defeat/article60333443.ece The Hindu 9 January 2015President Rajapaksa leaves Temple Trees http://www.dailymirror.lk/60777/paksa-leaves-temple-trees The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 9 January 2015 He also vacated the President's House.Ferdinando Shamindra MS in stunning win over MR http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=117355 The Island (Sri Lanka) 10 January 2015 Sirisena was sworn in as the sixth executive president of Sri Lanka before Supreme Court judge K. Sripavan in Independence Square, Colombo at 6.20pm on 9 January 2015. Normally, it is custom for the president to be sworn in before the chief justice, however, Sirisena had refused to be sworn in before Chief Justice Mohan Peiris, who had been controversially appointed by Rajapaksa after the controversial impeachment of previous chief justice Shirani Bandaranayake.Sirisena sworn in as 6th SL President http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=37589 TamilNet 9 January 2015Maithri refuses to take oaths before CJ? http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-81878-news-detail-maithri-refuses-to-take-oaths-before-cj.html Ceylon Today 9 January 2015 9 January 2015 9 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150109234348/http://www.ceylontoday.lk/16-81878-news-detail-maithri-refuses-to-take-oaths-before-cj.html dead Immediately afterwards, Wickremesinghe was sworn in as Sri Lanka's new prime minister before Sirisena.Srinivasan Meera Sirisena deposes Rajapaksa https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/Maithripala-Sirisena-sworn-in-as-Sri-Lankas-President/article60333217.ece The Hindu 9 January 2015Ranil new Prime Minister http://www.dailymirror.lk/60865/ranil-new-prime-minister The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 9 January 2015 After being sworn in, Sirisena stated that he would only serve a single term.Sri Lanka's new president appoints PM http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/01/10/sri-lankas-new-president-appoints-pm Special Broadcasting Service Australian Associated Press 10 January 2015 Maithripala Sirisena New Democratic Front 6217162 Mahinda Rajapaksa Sri Lanka Freedom Party 5768090 Ratnayake Arachchige Sirisena Patriotic National Front 18174 Namal Ajith Rajapaksa Our National Front 15726 Maulawi Ibrahim Mohanmed Mishlar United Peace Front 14379 A. S. P. Liyanage Sri Lanka Labour Party 14351 Ruwanthileke Peduru United Lanka People's Party 12436 Aithurus M. Illias Independent 10618 Duminda Nagamuwa Frontline Socialist Party 9941 Siritunga Jayasuriya United Socialist Party 8840 Sarath Manamendra New Sinhala Heritage 6875 Pani Wijesiriwardene Socialist Equality Party 4277 Anurudha Polgampola Independent 4260 Sundaram Mahendran Nava Sama Samaja Party 4047 Muthu Bandara Theminimulla All Are Citizens, All Are Kings Organisation 3846 Battaramulle Seelarathana Jana Setha Peramuna 3750 Prasanna Priyankara Democratic National Movement 2793 Jayantha Kulathunga United Lanka Great Council 2061 Wimal Geeganage Sri Lanka National Front 1826 140925 15044490 Election Commission Popular vote (%) 600px 410px Sirisena New Democratic Front (Sri Lanka) 51.28 Rajapaksha United People's Freedom Alliance 47.58 Geographical Share (%) 600px 410px Rajapaksha United People's Freedom Alliance 56.25 Sirisena New Democratic Front (Sri Lanka) 43.75 By district Districts won by SirisenaDistricts won by Rajapaksa ElectoralDistrict Province Rajapaksa Sirisena Others Total Valid Turnout Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes %Anuradhapura North Central 281,161 53.59% 238,407 45.44% 5,065 0.97% 524,633 100.00% 83.10%Badulla Uva 249,243 49.15% 249,524 49.21% 8,303 1.64% 507,070 100.00% 82.99%Batticaloa Eastern 41,631 16.22% 209,422 81.62% 5,533 2.16% 256,586 100.00% 70.97%Colombo Western 562,614 43.40% 725,073 55.93% 8,673 0.67% 1,296,360 100.00% 82.67%Digamadulla Eastern 121,027 33.82% 233,360 65.22% 3,430 0.96% 357,817 100.00% 77.39%Galle Southern 377,126 55.64% 293,994 43.37% 6,691 0.99% 677,811 100.00% 83.49%Gampaha Western 664,347 49.49% 669,007 49.83% 9,142 0.68% 1,342,496 100.00% 82.88%Hambantota Southern 243,295 63.02% 138,708 35.93% 4,073 1.05% 386,076 100.00% 84.13%Jaffna Northern 74,454 21.85% 253,574 74.42% 12,723 3.73% 340,751 100.00% 66.28%Kalutara Western 395,890 52.65% 349,404 46.46% 6,690 0.89% 751,984 100.00% 84.73%Kandy Central 378,585 44.23% 466,994 54.56% 10,329 1.21% 855,908 100.00% 82.63%Kegalle Sabaragamuwa 278,130 51.82% 252,533 47.05% 6,108 1.14% 536,771 100.00% 83.60%Kurunegala North Western 556,868 53.46% 476,602 45.76% 8,154 0.78% 1,041,624 100.00% 82.98%Matara Southern 297,823 57.81% 212,435 41.24% 4,892 0.95% 515,150 100.00% 83.36%Matale Central 158,880 51.41% 145,928 47.22% 4,214 1.36% 309,022 100.00% 82.35%Monaragala Uva 172,745 61.45% 105,276 37.45% 3,095 1.10% 281,116 100.00% 83.75%Nuwara Eliya Central 145,339 34.06% 272,605 63.88% 8,822 2.07% 426,766 100.00% 81.27%Polonnaruwa North Central 105,640 41.27% 147,974 57.80% 2,382 0.93% 255,996 100.00% 83.94%Puttalam North Western 197,751 48.97% 202,073 50.04% 4,026 1.00% 403,850 100.00% 73.81%Ratnapura Sabaragamuwa 379,053 55.74% 292,514 43.01% 8,517 1.25% 680,084 100.00% 84.90%Trincomalee Eastern 52,111 26.67% 140,338 71.84% 2,907 1.49% 195,356 100.00% 76.76%Vanni Northern 34,377 19.07% 141,417 78.47% 4,431 2.46% 180,225 100.00% 72.57%Total 5,768,090 47.58% 6,217,162 51.28% 138,200 1.14% 12,123,452 100.00% 81.52% Maps Aftermath Alleged coup Sri Lanka to investigate alleged coup attempt by outgoing president According to Mangala Samaraweera and Rajitha Senaratne, senior figures in the Sirisena campaign, Rajapaksa attempted to stage a coup to stay in power when it became clear he was going to lose the election.South Asia Sri Lanka to probe Rajapaksa 'coup' attempt http://www.aljazeera.com/news/southasia/2015/01/sri-lanka-rajapaksa-coup-attempt-2015111836468689.html Al Jazeera Agence France-Presse 11 January 2015Mallawarachi Bharatha Sri Lanka to Probe Alleged Coup Attempt by Ex-President https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/sri-lanka-probe-alleged-coup-attempt-president-28146161 ABC News Associated Press 11 January 2015 They claimed that Rajapaksa and his brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa, then-current Defense Secretary, summoned Commander of the Army Daya Ratnayake, Inspector General of Police N. K. Illangakoon and Attorney General Yuwanjana Wanasundera to the Temple Trees at around 1am on 9 January 2015.Jayasekera Sandun A. Video: UNP - UPFA trying to destabilise http://www.dailymirror.lk/60955/unp-upfa-trying-to-destabilise The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015 Rajapaksa allegedly pressured the three officials to deploy troops, annul the election results and declare a state of emergency, however, they refused.Sri Lanka's new govt to probe Rajapaksa's 'coup' bid https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/Sri-Lanka%E2%80%99s-new-govt-to-probe-Rajapaksa%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98coup%E2%80%99-bid/article60332999.ece The Hindu Press Trust of India 11 January 2015Burke Jason Perera Amantha Sri Lanka's new president promises 'no more abductions, no more censorship' https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/10/sri-lanka-president-maithripala-sirisena-promise-change The Guardian 10 January 2015 According to the Colombo Telegraph, Rajapaksa also wished to dissolve parliament.Gota Flees To Maldives By Air Force Plane https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/gota-flees-to-maldives-by-air-force-plane/ Colombo Telegraph 9 January 2015 It was only then Rajapaksa decided to concede defeat and summoned Wickremesinghe to assure him of a smooth transition of power.MR Plots To Prevent His Regime's Corruption From Being Revealed https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/mr-plots-to-prevent-his-regimes-corruption-from-being-revealed/ Colombo Telegraph 11 January 2015 A spokesman for Rajapaksa dismissed the allegations as baseless.Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa 'sought army help after poll defeat' https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-30763699 BBC News 1 January 2015Aneez Shihar Sri Lanka army defied order to keep Mahinda Rajapaksa in power, says aid https://www.smh.com.au/world/sri-lanka-army-defied-order-to-keep-mahinda-rajapaksa-in-power-says-aide-20150111-12lsns.html The Sydney Morning Herald 11 January 2015 The army and police have also denied the allegations.Fairclough Gordon Rajapaksa Sought Help 'By Force,' Opponents Say https://www.wsj.com/articles/rajapaksa-sought-help-by-force-opponents-say-1420976249 The Wall Street Journal 11 January 2015 The Sirisena government subsequently investigated the alleged coup attempt.Sri Lanka to investigate Rajapaksa 'coup and conspiracy' attempt http://www.dw.de/sri-lanka-to-investigate-rajapaksa-coup-and-conspiracy-attempt/a-18184514 Deutsche Welle 11 January 2015 Departures and resignations Central Bank governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, who had openly campaigned for Rajapaksa, resigned from his position on 9 January 2015.Cabraal resigns http://www.dailymirror.lk/60855/cabraal-resigns The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 9 January 2015 Minister of Foreign Employment Dilan Perera also resigned.Cabraal, Dilan resign http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=117361 The Island (Sri Lanka) 10 January 2015 The controversial Treasury Secretary P. B. Jayasundera fled to Singapore on election day.Treasury Secretary flies to Singapore, CB Governor Cabraal stepping down http://www.sundaytimes.lk/business/treasury-secretary-flies-singapore-cb-governor-cabraal-stepping.html The Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 9 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150109200500/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/business/treasury-secretary-flies-singapore-cb-governor-cabraal-stepping.html 9 January 2015 He was replaced by Arjuna Mahendran.Arjuna Mahendran new Treasury Secretary http://www.dailymirror.lk/60941/arjuna-mahendran-new-treasury-secretary The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015 B. M. U. D. Basnayake was appointed as Defence Secretary, replacing Rajapaksa's brother Gotabaya Rajapaksa.Basnayake new Defense Secretary http://www.dailymirror.lk/60921/b-m-u-d-basnayake-new-defense-secretary The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 10 January 2015B.M.U.D. Basnayake appointed new Defence Secretary http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=117433 Sunday Island (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015 Lanka Hospitals Corporation, whose biggest shareholder is the state-owned Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, announced on 9 January 2015 that its chairman (Gotabaya Rajapaksa) and vice chairwoman (Roshini Cabraal, wife of Ajith Nivard Cabraal) had resigned.The Lanka Hospitals Corporation PLC http://www.cse.lk/cmt/uploadAnnounceFiles/8451420795030_516.pdf Colombo Stock Exchange 9 January 2015 11 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150111213612/http://www.cse.lk/cmt/uploadAnnounceFiles/8451420795030_516.pdf 11 January 2015 dead Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development and another brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, left Sri Lanka with his wife for the United States on 11 January 2015.Adhikari Deepa Basil, Dudley leave country http://www.dailymirror.lk/60933/basil-dudley-leave-country The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015'Govt. officials renewing US visas to help elect MR' http://www.dailymirror.lk/60365/govt-officials-renewing-us-visas-to-help-elect-mr The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 4 January 2015Sri Lanka main opposition criticizes government's proposals for granting dual citizenship http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Nov02_1414909914CH.php Colombo Page 2 November 2014 11 January 2015 11 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150111233315/http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14B/Nov02_1414909914CH.php usurped Senior diplomats who had returned to Sri Lanka to support the Rajapaksa election campaign left the country on the same day.Adhikari Deepa Sri Lankan diplomats leave http://www.dailymirror.lk/60937/sri-lankan-diplomats-leave The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015 Two aides of Sarath Fonseka, Major General Mahesh Senanayake and Brigadier Duminda Keppetiwalana, who had fled Sri Lanka after the 2010 presidential election, returned to Sri Lanka on 10 January 2015.Two senior military officers return http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=117419 Sunday Island (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015 Rajpal Abeynayake and Dinesh Weerawansa, editors of the state-owned Daily News and Sunday Observer newspapers which had run a venomous campaign against Sirisena in the run up to the election, failed to show up for work on 9 January 2015 and had vanished.Rajapaksa Henchmen Rajpal And Dinesh Missing https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/rajapaksa-henchmen-rajpal-and-dinesh-missing/ Colombo Telegraph 10 January 2015 Following Sirisena's victory, the Daily News made an abrupt u-turn, praising Sirisena and criticising Rajapaksa.Sri Lanka's press welcome Sirisena http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/sri-lanka-press-welcome-sirisena-shun-fallen-strongman/article1-1305237.aspx https://web.archive.org/web/20150110085249/http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/sri-lanka-press-welcome-sirisena-shun-fallen-strongman/article1-1305237.aspx dead January 10, 2015 Hindustan Times Agence France-Presse 10 January 2015 Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation chairman Hudson Samarasinghe and Deputy General Manager of ITN Sudharman Radaliyagoda fled the country according to the Colombo Telegraph. Somaratne Dissanayake, who had worked for the Rajapaksa regime before defecting to support Sirisena, was appointed chairman of the state-owned Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.SLRC Chairman assumes duties http://www.dailymirror.lk/60939/slrc-chairman-assumes-duties The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015 The new administration stated that a special unit would be established to investigate large scale corruption during the Rajapaksa regime.Perera Yohan Desmond Sanath Video: None will be spared: JHU http://www.dailymirror.lk/60953/video-jhu-none-will-be-spared The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015 On 10 January 2015, minister Nimal Siripala de Silva announced that the UPFA would unconditionally support Sirisena's 100-day programme.Ferdinando Shamindra UPFA promises "unconditional" support for 100-day program http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=117439 Sunday Island (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015Desmond Santh Video: UPFA supports Common Opposition's 100-day programme http://www.dailymirror.lk/60919/100-day-programme The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 10 January 2015 Addressing the nation from Temple of the Tooth the following day, Sirisena invited all political parties to form a national unity government.Come join us to form unity Govt: President http://www.dailymirror.lk/60943/live-president-addressing-the-nation The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015 Shortly afterwards, a group of 21 SLFP MPs pledged their support for Sirisena.Over 20 SLFP MPs pledge support to President Sirisena http://www.dailymirror.lk/60967/over-20-slfp-mps-pledge-support-to-president-sirisena The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015Several Lankan MPs Cross Over to Sirisena Camp as Rival Central Committees Meet http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/Several-Lankan-MPs-Cross-Over-to-Sirisena-Camp-as-Rival-Central-Committees-Meet/2015/01/11/article2614807.ece https://web.archive.org/web/20150111205556/http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/Several-Lankan-MPs-Cross-Over-to-Sirisena-Camp-as-Rival-Central-Committees-Meet/2015/01/11/article2614807.ece dead January 11, 2015 The New Indian Express Express News Service 11 January 2015Maithri secures Parliamentary majority http://www.nation.lk/edition/latest-top-stories/item/37298-maithri-secures-parliamentary-majority.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015 11 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150111213806/http://www.nation.lk/edition/latest-top-stories/item/37298-maithri-secures-parliamentary-majority.html 11 January 2015 dead International reaction Supranational bodies United Nations – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a statement on 9 January 2015 congratulating the Sri Lankan people "on the successful conclusion of the presidential election", singling out the election commission for its "professionalism", saying that he looked forward to working with Sirisena while re-iterating his support for development, reconciliation, political dialogue and accountability.Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Sri Lanka's presidential elections https://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=8315 United Nations Secretariat 9 January 2015Ban Ready To Work With Maithri http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2015/01/11/ban-ready-to-work-with-maithri/ The Sunday Leader 11 January 2015 11 January 2015 11 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150111213818/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2015/01/11/ban-ready-to-work-with-maithri/ dead European Union – Foreign Affairs High Representative Federica Mogherini issued a statement on 9 January 2015 congratulating Sirisena, saying that the "EU looks forward to working with him to further develop its relations with Sri Lanka".Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on the presidential elections in Sri Lanka http://eeas.europa.eu/statements-eeas/2015/150109_01_en.htm European Union 9 January 2015EU congrats president Maithripala Sirisena http://www.dailymirror.lk/60917/eu-congrats-maithripala The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 10 January 2015 Nations Australia – Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop issued a statement on 10 January 2015 congratulating Sri Lankans on a peaceful and orderly election and pledging to support Sirisena in his attempts to implement democratic reforms, good governance and anti-corruption measures.Sri Lanka: Presidential Elections http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2015/jb_mr_150110.aspx?ministerid=4 Minister for Foreign Affairs (Australia) 10 January 2015Australia keen to work with new government to develop strong bilateral relationship — Foreign Affairs Minister http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=117412 Sunday Island (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015 Later, Prime Minister Tony Abbott telephoned Sirisena to congratulate him, emphasising "continuing cooperation" between the two countries on people smuggling.Wahlquist Calla Tony Abbott calls new Sri Lankan leader to emphasise cooperation on boats https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/11/tony-abbott-calls-new-sri-lankan-leader-to-emphasise-cooperation-on-boats The Guardian 11 January 2015Abbott heralds new Sri Lanka president http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/01/11/abbott-heralds-new-sri-lanka-president Special Broadcasting Service Australian Associated Press 11 January 2015 China – At a regular press conference on 9 January 2015, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei congratulated Sirisena, saying that China expected "new strides made by the Sri Lankan government and people on their course toward national development".Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei's Regular Press Conference on January 9, 2015 http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/t1227023.shtml Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China 9 January 2015China congratulates President Sirisena http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=117352 The Island (Sri Lanka) 10 January 2015 India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Sirisena after Rajapaksa conceded defeat, congratulating Sirisena and the Sri Lankan people for the "peaceful and democratic poll process".Modi congratulates Maithri http://www.dailymirror.lk/60799/modi-congratulates-maithri The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 9 January 2015Borham Maneshka Modi congratulates Maithri http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/37122-modi-congratulates-maithri.html The Nation (Sri Lanka) 9 January 2015 9 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150110003833/http://www.nation.lk/edition/breaking-news/item/37122-modi-congratulates-maithri.html 10 January 2015 dead Japan – Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida issued a statement on 9 January 2015 welcoming the "peaceful and successful holding of the presidential election", congratulating Sirisena, saying that Japan hopes that "all parties concerned in Sri Lanka will work together to further promote national reconciliation, democracy and economic development".Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the Presidential Election in Sri Lanka http://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press2e_000007.html Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan) 9 January 2015Japan congratulates Sirisena, commends smooth transition of power http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=117348 The Island (Sri Lanka) 10 January 2015 Norway – Prime Minister Erna Solberg issued a statement on 9 January 2015 congratulating the Sri Lankan people and Sirisena, saying that she looked forward to working with the new government to "promote a peaceful, inclusive and democratic Sri Lanka".Prime Minister Solberg congratulates Sri Lanka's new president https://www.regjeringen.no/en/aktuelt/statsminister-solberg-gratulerer-sri-lankas-nye-president-med-valgseieren/id2358645/?regj_oss=10 Prime Minister of Norway 9 January 2015Norway, Australia Offer Support http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2015/01/11/norway-australia-offer-support/ The Sunday Leader 11 January 2015 11 January 2015 11 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150111213735/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2015/01/11/norway-australia-offer-support/ dead United Kingdom – Prime Minister David Cameron issued a statement on 9 January 2015 congratulating Sirisena and encouraging him to co-operate with UN investigation into alleged war crimes "so that the issues of the past can be addressed and the country can move forward to a brighter, peaceful future where all Sri Lankans can play a role".Prime Minister congratulates the new Sri Lankan President https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-congratulates-the-new-sri-lankan-president Prime Minister's Office 9 January 2015David Cameron congratulates Maithripala Sirisena http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=117414 Sunday Island (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015 Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond also issued a statement commending the Sri Lanka people "on the successful completion of their elections" and congratulating Sirisena, saying he looked forward to "working with the new government and reinvigorating the long standing partnership between the UK and Sri Lanka".Philip Hammond today congratulated the newly elected President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-secretary-congratulates-new-sri-lankan-president Foreign and Commonwealth Office 9 January 2015Opportunity for SL to grow and "reflect the wishes of all its people" says UK Foreign Secretary http://www.tamilguardian.com/article.asp?articleid=13391 Tamil Guardian 9 January 2015 United States – President Barack Obama issued a statement on 9 January 2015 congratulating "the people of Sri Lanka on the successful and peaceful conclusion" to the election and congratulating Sirisena on his victory, saying that it was "a symbol of hope for those who support democracy all around the world".Statement by the President on the Election in Sri Lanka https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/01/09/statement-president-election-sri-lanka National Archives whitehouse.gov 9 January 2015President Barack Obama on Sri Lanka's presidential election http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=117407 Sunday Island (Sri Lanka) 11 January 2015 Secretary of State John Kerry also issued a statement praising the Sri Lankan people "on the successful conclusion of their elections", commending Rajapaksa for conceding defeat and saying that he looked "forward to working with President-elect Maithripala Sirisena".Conclusion of Sri Lankan Elections and Election of Maithripala Sirisena https://2009-2017.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2015/01/235725.htm United States Department of State 8 January 2015U.S. looks forward to working with Sri Lankan President-elect Maithripala Sirisena https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/U.S.-looks-forward-to-working-with-Sri-Lankan-President-elect-Maithripala-Sirisena/article60333658.ece The Hindu Press Trust of India 9 January 2015 Presidential inauguration The results of the elections were officially declared on 9 January 2015. Later that day, Sirisena was inaugurated as the seventh president of Sri Lanka at a ceremony held at Independence Square in Colombo. His oath of office was administered by the Supreme Court Justice K. Sripavan.Sirisena takes oath as Lanka’s president https://www.arabnews.com/node/687241/amp 2025-11-15 Arab News en Soon afterwards he appointed Ranil Wickremesinghe, leader of the United National Party, as Prime Minister.Burke Jason Perera Amantha Delhi Colombo 2015-01-10 Sri Lanka’s new president sworn in https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/09/sri-lanka-new-president-poll-results-maithripala-sirisena-mahinda-rajapaksa-election 2025-11-15 The Guardian en-GB 0261-3077N References External links right Sri Lanka Politics General Department of Elections https://web.archive.org/web/20210331010852/https://www.slelections.gov.lk/ 2021-03-31 Sri Lankan presidential election, 2015 analysis, Upali Newspapers Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) Manifestos "Mahinda's Vision - The World Winning Path" - Election manifesto of Mahinda Rajapaksa (English) "Mahinda Chinthana - Lova Dinana Maga" - Election manifesto of Mahinda Rajapaksa (Sinhala) "A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country" - Election manifesto of Maithripala Sirisena (English) "A Compassionate Maithri Governance - A Stable Country" - Election manifesto of Maithripala Sirisena (Sinhala) Sri Lanka Presidential election President Category:Maithripala Sirisena Category:Prelude to the Aragalaya Category:Research & Analysis Wing