2010 Sri Lankan presidential election

none June 2012 April 2020 Sri Lanka presidential 2005 Sri Lankan presidential election 2005 2015 Sri Lankan presidential election 2015 yes 2010 01 26 74.50% ( 0.77pp) Mahinda Rajapaksa.jpg Mahinda Rajapaksa 1609F7 Sri Lanka Freedom Party United People's Freedom Alliance 6,015,934 57.88% Fonseka Press Conference.jpg Sarath Fonseka New Democratic Front (Sri Lanka) – no 4,173,185 40.15% Wahlkreiskarte Praesidentschaft Sri Lanka 2010.svg Results by polling division#B0CEFF Mahinda Rajapaksa #0BDA51 Sarath Fonseka President Mahinda Rajapaksa Mahinda Rajapaksa Sri Lanka Freedom Party Sri Lanka Freedom Party Presidential elections were held in Sri Lanka on 26 January 2010. They were the sixth presidential elections held in the country's history, and the first to be held following the conclusion of the Sri Lankan civil war. Incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksa of the governing United People's Freedom Alliance was re-elected with 57.88% of the vote, defeating his main opponent Sarath Fonseka of the New Democratic Front, an opposition coalition backed by the United National Party.Sri Lanka re-elects president; opponent cries foul http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/6837188.html dead https://archive.today/20100130144039/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/6837188.html 30 January 2010 27 January 201027 January 2010 Rajapaksa Sweeps to Sri Lanka Victory as Fonseka Cries Foul http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-01-27/rajapaksa-sweeps-to-sri-lanka-victory-as-fonseka-cries-foul.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20101120075811/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-01-27/rajapaksa-sweeps-to-sri-lanka-victory-as-fonseka-cries-foul.html 20 November 2010 21 August 2010 BusinessWeek Fonseka received 40.15% of the vote, carrying the formerly LTTE-occupied Northern and Eastern Provinces. The remaining twenty candidates each garnered less than 0.5% of the popular vote. The elections were announced on 23 November 2009 when president Rajapaksa decided to seek a fresh mandate prior to the expiration of his term in 2011.President decides to hold the Presidential Election 23 November 2009 http://news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12489&Itemid=44 Government Information Department 23 November 2009 16 November 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171116082920/https://news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12489&Itemid=44 live Nominations were accepted on 17 December 2009.5 candidates in the fray 29 November 2009 http://www.sundaytimes.lk/091129/News/nws_04.html The Sunday Times 26 November 2009 27 March 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180327212359/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/091129/News/nws_04.html live Background In 2005, Mahinda Rajapaksa was elected to his first 6-year term as president, defeating opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, the United National Party (UNP) candidate. Prior to the election, Mahinda Rajapaksa served as prime minister under president Chandrika Kumaratunga from 2004 to 2005. Rajapaksa won a narrow victory, winning 50.29% of the popular vote, and beating Wickremesinghe by a margin of a little more than 180,000 votes. The separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam had called for a boycott of the election in the Northern and Eastern provinces, resulting in a minimal turnout, which the opposition claimed resulted in their defeat.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4447794.stm Hardliner wins Sri Lanka election BBC News 18 November 2005 27 January 2010 4 February 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120204101327/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4447794.stm live The term of the office of the president is 6 years, and the 3rd Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka allows the president to call for an early presidential election after four years into their first term of office.http://www.priu.gov.lk/Cons/1978Constitution/Chapter_07_Amd.html The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka – Chapter VII Government of Sri Lanka 2 December 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091210023047/http://www.priu.gov.lk/Cons/1978Constitution/Chapter_07_Amd.html 10 December 2009 Rajapaksa, whose first term began on 19 November 2005, had been constitutionally eligible to call an early presidential election since 19 November 2009. Accordingly, Rajapaksa informed the Commissioner of Elections about his intention to hold a presidential election before the end of his current term of office.http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/11/24/pol01.asp President seeks fresh mandate 2 November 2009 Daily News 2 December 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091127053727/http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/11/24/pol01.asp 27 November 2009 He announced his intention via a Gazette Extraordinary, issued on 23 November 2009. The elections would be the first presidential elections to be held in Sri Lanka since the end of the Sri Lankan civil war. Preparations On 27 November 2009, Dayananda Dissanayake, Commissioner of Elections, issued that the presidential election would be scheduled for 26 January 2010. Nominations were accepted from 9.00am to 11.00am IST on 17 December 2009.http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12568&Itemid=44 Presidential Election on January 26, 2010 27 November 2009 The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka 7 December 2009 11 December 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091211003123/http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12568&Itemid=44 live Sri Lankans registered with the Department of Elections, and eligible to vote, totaled 14,088,500, a significant increase from 13,327,160 in the previous presidential elections held in 2005. Over 11,000 polling booths were set up across the country for receiving ballots.Satarupa Bhattacharjya One million more voters for Presidential poll 22 November 2009 http://www.sundaytimes.lk/091122/News/nws_01.html The Sunday Times 23 November 2009 21 January 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110121092150/http://sundaytimes.lk/091122/News/nws_01.html live Candidates Mahinda Rajapaksa In May 2009, the Sri Lanka Army tactfully defeated separatist the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, thus bringing an end to the 26-year long Sri Lankan civil war.Sri Lanka Rebels Concede Defeat https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2009-05-17-voa11-68644392/407997.html 17 May 2009 Voice of America 31 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100212160442/http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/a-13-2009-05-17-voa11-68644392.html 12 February 2010 live A promise Sri Lanka's previous three presidents tried and failed to secure, the war victory greatly boosted the popularity of incumbent president Mahinda Rajapaksa, thus leading Rajapaksa's United People's Freedom Alliance to unprecedented victories in the provincial council elections following the war's end. In November 2009, Rajapaksa called for an early presidential election almost two years prior to the expiration of his first term, and sought a fresh mandate and a longer term based on his current widespread support and popularity. Sarath Fonseka General Sarath Fonseka was considered a national hero for bringing an end to the Sri Lankan civil war as Commander of the Sri Lanka Army from 2005 to 2009.General intentions 19 November 2009 http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14915330 The Economist 15 December 2009 10 December 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091210033131/http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14915330 live However, following the war victory, tensions grew between Fonseka and the incumbent president, with the former accusing Rajapaksa of sidelining him after the end of the war. Opposition parties expected early elections and approached Fonseka, asking him to run as a "common candidate" for the opposition against Rajapaksa.When Sarath challenged Mahinda for presidency in 2010 - Opinion Daily Mirror https://www.dailymirror.lk/opinion/When-Sarath-challenged-Mahinda-for-presidency-in-2010/172-288185 2025-06-18 www.dailymirror.lk en After weeks of rumours, Fonseka eventually retired from the military in November 2009 and announced his candidacy two weeks later. He ran as the candidate of the New Democratic Front, using the swan symbol.http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/12/16/news34.html Record number of candidates Amaranayake Vindya The Bottom Line, Sri Lanka 16 December 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20091219162050/http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/12/16/news34.html 19 December 2009 He was backed by a number of opposition parties, including the United National Party, the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna, and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, and also signed a memorandum of understanding with Tamil National Alliance leader R. Sampanthan. Minor candidates Apart from Rajapaksa and Fonseka, 20 other candidates had their nominations accepted, and appeared on ballot papers.17 December 2009 Nelson Perera's nomination rejected, 22 accepted http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=6552 live https://web.archive.org/web/20091220033548/http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=6552 20 December 2009 17 December 2009 Ada Derana One nomination—Nelson Perera of the Sri Lanka Progressive Front—was rejected on technical grounds. This was the most candidates in a Sri Lankan presidential election at the time, breaking the record of 13 in the 2005 presidential election. Candidate Party Symbolhttp://www.slelections.gov.lk/pp.html Political Parties 17 December 2009 November 2009 Department of Elections dead https://archive.today/20120805182845/http://www.slelections.gov.lk/pp.html 5 August 2012 Notes Siritunga Jayasuriya United Socialist Party (Sri Lanka) United Socialist Party Tri-shaw Presidential candidate in 2005. M. B. Thaminimulla New Independent Front Okkoma Wasiyo Okkoma Rajavaru Sanvidhanaya Till Sarath Manamendra New Sinhala Heritage New Sinhala Heritage Bow and arrow Achala Ashoka Suraweera National Development Front National Development Front Coconut Presidential candidate in 2005. A. S. P. Liyanage Sri Lanka Labour Party Sri Lanka Labour Party Kangaroo Ven. Battaramulle Seelaratne Thero Janasetha Peramuna Jana Setha Peramuna Tractor Withdrew candidacy on 14 January and endorsed Mahinda Rajapaksa.http://www.slbc.lk/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/2271-presidential-candidate-venerable-battaramulle-seelarathana-thera-withdraws-his-candidature-in-support-of-the-president- https://web.archive.org/web/20160303200424/http://www.slbc.lk/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/2271-presidential-candidate-venerable-battaramulle-seelarathana-thera-withdraws-his-candidature-in-support-of-the-president- dead 3 March 2016 Presidential candidate Venerable Battaramulle Seelarathana Thera withdraws his candidature in support of the President 14 January 2010 slbc.lk Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation 27 January 2010 Vikramabahu Karunaratne Left Front (Sri Lanka) Left Front Table Leader of the Left Front and Nava Sama Samaja Party. Aithurus M. Illias Independent Independent Pineapple Former SLMC MP for Jaffna. Withdrew candidacy on 24 January and endorsed Sarath Fonseka.http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1084-another-candidate-backs-fonseka.html Another candidate backs Fonseka 15 January 2010 Daily Mirror 24 January 2010 27 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100127185039/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1084-another-candidate-backs-fonseka.html live Wije Dias Socialist Equality Party (Sri Lanka) Socialist Equality Party Pair of scissors Presidential candidate in 2005. Upali Sarath Kongahage United National Alternative Front Gate Former UNP National List MP. Lal Perera Our National Front Our National Front Telephone Mohamed Musthaffa Independent Independent Hat UNP National List MP and former Deputy Minister of Higher Education. Withdrew candidacy on 15 January and endorsed Sarath Fonseka.http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/911-presidential-candidate-joins-fonseka.html Presidential candidate joins Fonseka 15 January 2010 Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 21 January 2010 18 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100118120708/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/911-presidential-candidate-joins-fonseka.html live M. K. Shivajilingam Independent Independent Ship TNA/TELO MP for Jaffna. W. M. U. B. Wijekoon Independent Independent Jackfruit Former UNP MP for Kurunegala. M. C. M. Ismail Democratic United National Front Democratic United National Front Eagle Aruna de Zoyza Ruhunu People's Party Ruhunu People's Party Motor car Presidential candidate in 2005. Sanath Pinnaduwa National Alliance Double flags Adurage Senaratne Silva Patriotic National Front Flag C. J. Sugathsiri Gamage United Democratic Front United Democratic Front Rabbit W. V. Mahiman Ranjith Independent Independent Closet Former UNP MP for Galle. Presidential candidate in 1999. Violence and violations of election laws Sri Lankan police received nearly 975 election-related complaints, and 375 arrests were made relative thereto.http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/26/sec01.asp Police to take stern action Jalaldeen Rafik 26 January 2010 Daily News 27 January 2010 Colombo dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100130200421/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/26/sec01.asp 30 January 2010 The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) had recorded 809 incidents from 23 November 2009, when the elections were officially announced, to 25 January 2010.http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/cmev-interim-report_25_01_2010_final_full.pdf Presidential Election 2010: Interim Report I 25 January 2010 Centre for Monitoring Election Violence 27 January 2010 28 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128061501/http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/cmev-interim-report_25_01_2010_final_full.pdf live People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) recorded 666 incidents between 17 December 2009 and 25 January 2010.http://www.paffrel.lk/pdf/Presidential%20Election%20-2010%20Incidents.pdf Presidential Election 2010: Incident Chart of the Pre Election Period 25 January 2010 People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections 27 January 2010 22 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110722145807/http://www.paffrel.lk/pdf/Presidential%20Election%20-2010%20Incidents.pdf live The UN, United States, and EU expressed concern over the levels of electoral violence.https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33536&Cr=&Cr1= Sri Lanka: Ban concerned over rising violence ahead of presidential polls 20 January 2010 UN News Centre 21 January 2010 24 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100124174535/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33536&Cr=&Cr1= livehttp://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article80223.ece U.S. expresses concern over poll-related violence in Sri Lanka B. Muralidhar Reddy 13 January 2010 The Hindu 21 January 2010 10 September 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120910121431/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article80223.ece deadhttp://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/37&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en Statement by High Representative / Vice President Catherine Ashton on Sri Lanka's pre-election situation 20 January 2010 EU 21 January 2010 1 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110201111022/http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/37&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en live Election monitoring groups stated that the election was the most violent election the country had seen in more than 20 years.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8471760.stm United Nations concern over Sri Lanka poll violence 21 January 2010 BBC News 21 January 2010 14 July 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220714151052/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8471760.stm livehttp://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2010/s2799549.htm Violence flares before Sri Lankan election Sara Sally 23 January 2010 Australian Broadcasting Corporation 27 January 2010 21 September 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240921052831/https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/am live Although supporters of both main candidates were blamed for the incidents, the responsibility for most was pinned on Rajapaksa supporters.http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/component/content/article/129-front-page/1788.html Election Violence on the Rise 21 January 2010 Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 21 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100124070854/http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/component/content/article/129-front-page/1788.html 24 January 2010 dead However, government politician Wimal Weerawansa accused the opposition of orchestrating violence against their own supporters and meetings in order to blame Rajapaksa supporters.http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/21/pol02.asp Opposition hand behind polls violence de Silva Lakshmi 21 January 2010 Daily News 22 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100124093215/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/21/pol02.asp 24 January 2010 dead According to the National Polls Observation Center, criminal gangs and deserters from the army were employed to incite violence.http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/21/news02.asp Army deserters used to incite violence – NPOC Muttiah M.P. 21 January 2010 Daily News 22 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100124092902/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/21/news02.asp 24 January 2010 dead The government promised tight security on the day of the election, deploying over 68,000 policemen to keep the polls safe, with the Sri Lankan Military providing additional support. The election monitoring group Centre for Free and Fair Elections deployed 6,500 monitors on election day, with the PAFFREL deploying a further 6,000, including 14 foreign monitors. The government denied rumours of possible post-election violence, with Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama saying, "I don't think the people of Sri Lanka have time for street protests. It has never happened."http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/component/content/article/129-front-page/2136-d-day-for-sri-lanka.html Vote and act peacefully, says Polls Chief Jayasekera Sandun A. 26 January 2010 Daily Mirror 27 January 2010 Colombo 6 November 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201106151235/http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/component/content/article/129-front-page/2136-d-day-for-sri-lanka.html dead Election day was largely peaceful, with a few minor incidents reported.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8478386.stm Bitter rivals vie for Sri Lanka presidency 26 January 2010 BBC News 26 January 2010 26 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100126051944/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8478386.stm live According to Inspector General of Police Mahinda Balasuriya, no major incidents occurred during the election.http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/27/news11.asp No major incidents – IGP Malalasekera Sarath 27 January 2010 Daily News 27 January 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110604050816/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/27/news11.asp 4 June 2011 A number of explosions, however, were heard in Jaffna and Vavuniya in the north of the country during the day.http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31064 TNA parliamentarian's office attacked, bomb blasts heard, in Jaffna 26 January 2010 Tamil Net 27 January 2010 21 September 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240921052715/https://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31064 livehttp://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1147-twin-grenade-explosions-in-vavuniya.html Twin grenade explosions in Vavuniya 26 January 2010 Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 27 January 2010 28 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128092100/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1147-twin-grenade-explosions-in-vavuniya.html live Violence There were hundreds of violent incidents during the run-up to the election.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8465202.stm Two people killed in Sri Lanka pre-poll attacks 18 January 2010 BBC News 21 January 2010 17 July 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220717015123/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8465202.stm live Officially, there were four murders related to the election: 12 January 2010 – Kusumawathie Kuruppuarachchi, a 58-year-old mother was shot dead when gunmen on motorbikes opened fire on a bus carrying Fonseka supporters in Hungama, Hambantota District.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8454285.stm Sri Lanka pre-election attack leaves one person dead 12 January 2010 BBC News 21 January 2010 21 September 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240921052827/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8454285.stm livehttp://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/08th-media-communique_12_01_2010_english_final.pdf Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 8 12 January 2010 Centre for Monitoring Election Violence 21 January 2010 28 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128062156/http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/08th-media-communique_12_01_2010_english_final.pdf live 16 January 2010 – Saman Kumara, a Rajapaksa supporter, was shot dead in a clash between supporters of the two main candidates in Madurankuliya, Puttalam District.http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100117/News/nws_04.html High tension in Puttalam, Matara 17 January 2010 Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) 21 January 2010 25 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100125013023/http://sundaytimes.lk/100117/News/nws_04.html livehttp://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/13th-media-communique_16_01_2010_english_final.pdf Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 13 16 January 2010 Centre for Monitoring Election Violence 21 January 2010 28 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128062043/http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/13th-media-communique_16_01_2010_english_final.pdf live 18 January 2010 – Dhammika Herath, a 33-year-old businessman, was beaten to death whilst pasting posters supporting Fonseka in Wariyapola, Kurunegala District.http://www.island.lk/2010/01/19/news25.html Polls violence takes third life Palihawadena Norman 19 January 2010 The Island, Sri Lanka 21 January 2010 25 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100125213604/http://www.island.lk/2010/01/19/news25.html livehttp://cmev.wordpress.com/2010/01/18/presidential-election-2010-media-communique-no-15/#more-541 Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 15 18 January 2010 Centre for Monitoring Election Violence 21 January 2010 18 January 2010 – D. M. Suranga Indrajith, a 27-year-old driver for government minister Jayarathna Herath, was killed in a grenade attack in Vanduragala, Kurunegala District.http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/974-attack-on-minister-jayaratne-heraths-residence-.html One killed in grenade attack 18 January 2010 Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) 21 January 2010http://cmev.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/presidential-election-2010-media-communique-no-16/#more-550 Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 16 18 January 2010 Centre for Monitoring Election Violence 21 January 2010 20 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100120220920/http://cmev.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/presidential-election-2010-media-communique-no-16/#more-550 live The CMEV has linked a fifth death to the elections: 19 January 2010 – Lingeswaran, a Fonseka supporter, was found dead on the Kandy-Matale railway line in Warapitiya, Matale District.http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/16th-media-communique_19_01_2010_english_final.pdf Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 17 19 January 2010 Centre for Monitoring Election Violence 21 January 2010 28 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128061409/http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/16th-media-communique_19_01_2010_english_final.pdf live Misuse of state resources There were accusations of widespread misuse of state property during the election campaign. Election observers and advocacy groups questioned the fundamental fairness of the campaign, accusing Rajapaksa of using state resources to finance his run.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8482270.stm Sri Lanka president wins re-election - state TV 27 January 2010 BBC News 27 January 2010 21 September 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240921052717/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482270.stm live State-owned institutions paid for numerous advertisements supporting Rajapaksa,http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2010/01/03/misuse-of-public-property-and-funds/ Misuse of Public Property And Funds Abeywickrema Mandana Ismail 3 January 2010 The Sunday Leader 27 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110617023934/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2010/01/03/misuse-of-public-property-and-funds/ 17 June 2011 deadhttp://www.island.lk/2009/12/26/news12.html Misuse of public resources: TISL receives 60 complaints 26 December 2009 The Island, Sri Lanka 27 January 2010 15 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100115093631/http://www.island.lk/2009/12/26/news12.html live while public officials, state owned buildings and vehicles were allegedly used for Rajapaksa's campaign.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8482270.stm Sri Lanka president wins re-election – state TV 27 January 2010 BBC News 27 January 2010 21 September 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240921052717/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482270.stm live State-owned television stations and news channels gave extensive coverage to Rajapaksa's campaign, with little to no mention of opposition candidates.https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/world/asia/28lanka.html The New York Times President of Sri Lanka Is Re-elected by Wide Edge Lydia Polgreen 28 January 2010 23 May 2010 28 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128052841/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/world/asia/28lanka.html live Sri Lanka blocks websites hours before election results http://sify.com/news/8203Sri-Lanka-blocks-websites-hours-before-election-results-news-kb1kIGhbbda.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100130075330/http://sify.com/news/8203Sri-Lanka-blocks-websites-hours-before-election-results-news-kb1kIGhbbda.html 30 January 2010 9 August 2022 Sify27 January 2010 Sri Lanka election: On the ground report from Colombo – International News http://www.livemint.com/2010/01/27173151/Sri-Lanka-election-On-the-gro.html live https://web.archive.org/web/20100403053404/http://www.livemint.com/2010/01/27173151/Sri-Lanka-election-On-the-gro.html 3 April 2010 21 August 2010 livemint.com Election commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake criticised the government for their misuse of state resources. Dissanayake claimed that the state media violated his guidelines, government institutions misbehaved, and in protest Dissanayake asked for approval to resign: "I request to be released," he said, just after he announced the results.http://www.france24.com/en/20100126-sri-lanka-heads-polls-tense-election Sri Lanka heads to polls for tense election 26 January 2010 France 24 27 January 2010May 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Voting Postal voting for the presidential election took place on 12 and 13 January 2010. A grace period was granted until noon on 26 January for postal voters. Applications for this form of absentee voting totalled 458,154, with 401,118 applications accepted by the Elections Department.http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13170&Itemid=44 Postal voting to be monitored 11 January 2010 The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka 23 January 2010 24 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100124145649/http://www.news.lk//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13170&Itemid=44 livehttp://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/09/pol03.asp Postal voting at work places on Jan 12, 13 9 January 2010 Daily News 23 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100112073214/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/09/pol03.asp 12 January 2010 dead More than 80% of postal voters cast their votes on 12 and 13 January, this period ending with "no major incidents" according to the National Polls Observation Centre and the People's Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL).http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/01/14/postal-voting-ends-no-major-incidents Postal Voting Ends with No Major Incidents Jayashan Anjana 14 January 2010 Asian Tribune 23 January 2010 16 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100116224126/http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/01/14/postal-voting-ends-no-major-incidents live Voting for the presidential election began at 7:00 am on 26 January 2010. A total of 11,098 election centres and 888 counting centres were set up throughout the country.http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/26/pol01.asp Polls Today 26 January 2010 Daily News 26 January 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100129041526/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/26/pol01.asp 29 January 2010 The Elections Commissioner had requested that voters cast their ballots early in the day.http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13415&Itemid=44 Cast your vote early – Polls Chief 25 January 2010 Government News Portal 26 January 2010 28 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100128010058/http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13415&Itemid=44 live Rajapaksa voted in the morning at Medamulana,http://www.slbc.lk/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/2385-the-president-joins-to-cast-his-vote-in-medamulana- The President joins to cast his vote in Medamulana 26 January 2010 Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation 26 January 2010April 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes http://www.srilankanelections.com/index.php?page_cat=news&page=details&code_title=81 President Cast his Vote 26 January 2010 The Island 26 January 2010 16 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110716124234/http://www.srilankanelections.com/index.php?page_cat=news&page=details&code_title=81 usurped as did opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo.http://www.srilankanelections.com/index.php?page_cat=news&page=details&code_title=84 Opposition leader Cast his Vote 26 January 2010 The Island 26 January 2010 16 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110716124445/http://www.srilankanelections.com/index.php?page_cat=news&page=details&code_title=84 usurped NDF candidate Fonseka did not vote, claiming that he had not been allowed to do so despite his eligibility.http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1150-fonseka-dispels-rumors-over-his-vote.html Fonseka dispels rumors over his vote Silva Dianne 26 January 2010 Daily Mirror 26 January 2010 29 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100129071105/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1150-fonseka-dispels-rumors-over-his-vote.html live The government later challenged this, stating that if he were not qualified to vote, he would "not (be) entitled to become elected".http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/27/pol02.asp SF violated election law, says UPFA 27 January 2010 Daily News 27 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100130184825/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/27/pol02.asp 30 January 2010 dead It was announced that legal action would be sought against his candidacy,http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1163-government-to-sue-fonseka-.html Government to sue Fonseka Jayasekera Sandun A. 27 January 2010 Daily Mirror 27 January 2010 29 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100129071620/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1163-government-to-sue-fonseka-.html live although the election commissioner had ruled that he was eligible to run in the election.http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1151-ec-says-fonseka-eligible.html Polls Chief says Fonseka eligible 26 January 2010 Daily Mirror 27 January 2010 29 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100129214304/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1151-ec-says-fonseka-eligible.html live By the time voting ended at 4.00 pm, over 70% of eligible voters had turned out, though in the Northern and Eastern provinces, figures were less than 20%.http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1152-more-than-70-percent-vote.html More than 70 percent vote 26 January 2010 Daily Mirror 26 January 2010 29 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100129214307/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1152-more-than-70-percent-vote.html live Sri Lanka's stock market recorded an all-time high on election day; the Colombo Stock Exchange jumped 1.58%, putting it up 131% since the end of the war.http://in.reuters.com/article/companyNews/idINSGE60P0AJ20100126 https://archive.today/20120709022343/http://in.reuters.com/article/companyNews/idINSGE60P0AJ20100126 dead 9 July 2012 S.Lanka shares at record high on earning hope amid polls Sirilal Ranga Aneez, Shihar 26 January 2010 Reuters 26 January 2010 Results Voter turnout was 74.5%, with 10,495,451 voting out of the 14,088,500 voters registered. Of these, 10,393,613 were ruled valid votes, with 101,838 rejected. According to the end result, Rajapaksa was elected to a second term of office with 6,015,934 votes, or 57.88% of the vote. Fonseka finished second with 4,173,185 votes, or 40.15%.http://www.slelections.gov.lk/presidential2010/AIVOT.html All Island Final Result 27 January 2010 Department of Elections of Sri Lanka 27 January 2010 dead https://archive.today/20120805152306/http://www.slelections.gov.lk/presidential2010/AIVOT.html 5 August 2012 Fonseka did not accept the results, and declared that legal action would be taken. Supporters of Rajapaksa took to the streets on the announcement of the result, waving national flags and lighting firecrackers.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482963.stm Fonseka rejects Sri Lanka election win for Rajapaksa 27 January 2010 BBC 27 January 2010 17 July 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220717085258/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482963.stm live Rajapaksa called his victory "a choice of the people" and declared himself president of everyone in the country.http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1245-mahinda-accepts-peoples-victory.html Mahinda accepts "people's victory" 27 January 2010 Daily Mirror 27 January 2010 30 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100130015205/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1245-mahinda-accepts-peoples-victory.html liveMahinda Rajapaksa Sri Lanka Freedom Party 6015934 Sarath Fonseka New Democratic Front 4173185 Mohomad Cassim Mohomad Ismail Democratic United National Front 39226 Achala Ashoka Suraweera National Development Front 26266 Channa Janaka Sugathsiri Gamage United Democratic Front 23290 W. V. Mahiman Ranjith Independent 18747 A. S. P Liyanage Sri Lanka Labour Party 14220 Sarath Manamendra New Sinhala Heritage 9684 M. K. Shivajilingam Independent 9662 Ukkubanda Wijekoon Independent 9381 Lal Perera Our National Front 9353 Siritunga Jayasuriya United Socialist Party 8352 Vikramabahu Karunaratne Left Front 7055 Aithurus M. Illias Independent 6131 Wije Dias Socialist Equality Party 4195 Sanath Pinnaduwa National Alliance 3523 M. Mohamed Musthaffa Independent 3134 Battaramulle Seelarathana Thero Janasetha Peramuna 2770 Senaratna de Silva Patriotic National Front 2620 Aruna de Zoyza Ruhunu People's Party 2618 Upali Sarath Kongahage United National Alternative Front 2260 Muthu Bandara Theminimulla All Are Citizens, All Are Kings Organisation 2007 101838 14088500 Election Commission Popular vote (%) 600px 410px Rajapaksha Sri Lanka Freedom Party 57.88 Fonseka New Democratic Front (Sri Lanka) 40.15 Geographical Share (%) 600px 410px Rajapaksha Sri Lanka Freedom Party 79.38 Fonseka New Democratic Front (Sri Lanka) 20.63 By district Districts won by RajapaksaDistricts won by Fonseka + Summary of the 2010 Sri Lankan presidential election by electoral districthttp://www.slelections.gov.lk/presidential2010/province.html Presidential Election – 2010 2010 slelections.gov.lk Department of Elections (Sri Lanka) 27 January 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100127234929/http://www.slelections.gov.lk/presidential2010/province.html 27 January 2010DistrictProvinceRajapaksaFonsekaOthersTurnout Votes % Votes % Votes % Colombo Western 614,740 52.93% 533,022 45.90% 13,620 1.17% 77.06% Gampaha Western 718,716 61.66% 434,506 37.28% 12,426 1.07% 79.66% Kalutara Western 412,562 63.06% 231,807 35.43% 9,880 1.51% 81.01% Kandy Central 406,636 54.16% 329,492 43.89% 14,658 1.95% 78.26% Matale Central 157,953 59.74% 100,513 38.01% 5,953 2.25% 77.94% Nuwara Eliya Central 151,604 43.77% 180,604 52.14% 14,174 4.09% 77.19% Galle Southern 386,971 63.69% 211,633 34.83% 9,017 1.48% 80.25% Matara Southern 296,155 65.53% 148,510 32.86% 7,264 1.61% 78.60% Hambantota Southern 226,887 67.21% 105,336 31.20% 5,341 1.58% 80.67% Jaffna Northern 44,154 24.75% 113,877 63.84% 20,338 11.40% 25.66% Vanni Northern 28,740 27.31% 70,367 66.86% 6,145 5.84% 40.33% Batticaloa Eastern 55,663 26.27% 146,057 68.93% 10,171 4.80% 64.83% Digamadulla Eastern 146,912 47.92% 153,105 49.94% 10,171 4.80% 73.54% Trincomalee Eastern 69,752 43.04% 87,661 54.09% 4,659 2.87% 68.22% Kurunegala North Western 582,784 63.08% 327,594 35.46% 13,515 1.46% 78.62% Puttalam North Western 201,981 58.70% 136,233 39.59% 5,899 1.71% 70.02% Anuradhapura North Central 298,448 66.32% 143,761 31.94% 7,829 1.74% 78.35% Polonnauwa North Central 144,889 64.92% 75,026 33.62% 3,260 1.46% 80.13% Badulla Uva 237,579 53.23% 198,835 44.55% 9,880 2.21% 78.70% Monaragala Uva 158,435 69.01% 66,803 29.10% 4,346 1.89% 77.12% Ratnapura Sabaragamuwa 377,734 63.76% 203,566 34.36% 11,126 1.88% 81.24% Kegalle Sabaragamuwa 296,639 61.80% 174,877 36.44% 8,448 1.76% 78.76%Total 6,015,934 57.88% 4,173,185 40.15% 204,494 1.97% 74.50% Maps Aftermath Alleged plot to assassinate Rajapaksa On the morning of 27 January, the Sri Lankan military surrounded a hotel where Fonseka and a number of opposition politicians had convened. The military claimed that 400 armed army deserters had gathered there, and demanded their surrender.http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1234:colombo-hotel-under-siege&catid=108:breaking-news&Itemid=425 Colombo hotel under "siege" Silva Dianne 27 January 2010 Daily Mirror 27 January 2010 Fonseka accused the military of preparing to arrest him if he won the elections. However, according to a military spokesman, they were there merely as a preventive measure, as the purpose of the gathering was uncertain.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482270.stm Sri Lanka president wins re-election – state TV 27 January 2010 BBC 27 January 2010 27 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100127052218/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482270.stm live The military later arrested 10 men, who the opposition claimed were members of Fonseka's security contingent and not army deserters.http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1237:fonsekas-officers-handed-over&catid=108:breaking-news&Itemid=425 Fonseka's officers handed over 27 January 2010 Daily Mirror 27 January 2010 30 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100130142012/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1237:fonsekas-officers-handed-over&catid=108:breaking-news&Itemid=425 live At a press briefing held on Thursday, 28 January, the Director of the Media Centre for National Security, Lakshman Hulugalle, told reporters that Gen. Fonseka moved into the hotel with over 70 retired army officers and deserters to plot the assassination of victorious President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family.K.T.Rajasingham http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/01/29/call-getting-louder-arrest-sarath-fonseka Call is getting louder for the arrest of Sarath Fonseka Asian Tribune 21 August 2010 21 September 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240921052718/https://www.godaddy.com/domainsearch/find?key=parkweb&utm_source=godaddy&utm_medium=parkedpages&utm_campaign=x_dom-broker_parkedpages_x_x_invest_b_001&tmskey=dpp_dbs&domainToCheck=asiantribune.com&isc=GPPTCOM&itc=parkedpage_landers live The Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence reported that they were still looking for evidence to prove Fonseka's involvement.http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100128_02 Army deserters arrested over assassination plot Defence.lk 28 January 2010 21 August 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20120329051054/http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100128_02 29 March 2012 dead International reactions India – President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday congratulated Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his re-election and expressed confidence that the country would find lasting peace in which all communities would live with dignity and harmony. President Patil said, "I am confident that under your continued leadership, Sri Lanka will attain greater heights and find lasting peace." Prime Minister Singh said Rajapaksa's electoral success "is a reflection of the trust" the people of Sri Lanka had placed in him.http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/jan/27/pm-patil-call-up-rajapaksa.htm President, PM congratulate Rajapaksa 27 January 2010 Rediff 28 January 2010 2 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100202063105/http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/jan/27/pm-patil-call-up-rajapaksa.htm live Palestine Palestinian Popular Struggle Front – The Front sent a letter in support of President Rajapaksa. "On behalf of the Palestinians in and out of Palestine, (we) express (our) grateful thanks to President Mahinda Rajapasksa, who has been fighting for the Palestinians during the last 40 years."http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2009/12/25/palestinians-appeals-sri-lanka-muslims-vote-mahinda-rajapaksa Palestinians appeals Sri Lanka Muslims to vote for Mahinda Rajapaksa 25 December 2009 Asian Tribune 26 January 2010 27 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100127182953/http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2009/12/25/palestinians-appeals-sri-lanka-muslims-vote-mahinda-rajapaksa live United Nations – UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday voiced relief that Sri Lanka's presidential polls went off relatively peacefully, and urged the country's political parties to abide by the official results. Secretary-General Ban stated, "I had been concerned at the level of violence during the campaign. I am relieved that the vote yesterday appears to have been relatively peaceful, despite some violent incidents."http://www.newsonair.com/news.asp?cat=international&id=IN2289 UN chief relieved at Sri Lanka's relatively peaceful polls 27 January 2010 All India Radio 28 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110714175505/http://www.newsonair.com/news.asp?cat=international&id=IN2289 14 July 2011 dead US United States Department of State – The United States Embassy in Colombo released a statement which read, "The United States congratulates Sri Lanka for the first nationwide election in decades and President Rajapaksa on his victory. We look forward to continuing the partnership between our two countries and working with the Government and the people to support a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka."http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=7023 Sri Lanka News-Adaderana-Truth First Adaderana.lk 1 January 1970 21 August 2010 31 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100131072848/http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=7023 live State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters, "I think it is remarkable when you consider what Sri Lanka has come through recently. There is a process for resolving electoral disputes. We're obviously aware that there have been claims of victory and counterclaims" and ruled out further comments at that time.http://au.news.yahoo.com/queensland/a/-/world/6733985/sri-lanka-president-triumphant-after-win/ Sri Lanka president triumphant after win 28 January 2010 Yahoo News 28 January 2010April 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=7020 Sri Lanka News-Adaderana-Truth First Adaderana.lk 1 January 1970 21 August 2010 31 January 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100131072244/http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=7020 live Russia – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in his congratulatory message stated that the policy conducted by the president aimed at economic development and strengthening of stability will continue to settle social and political issues in the country.http://www.slbc.lk/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/2413-the-russian-federation-congratulates-president-mahinda-rajapakse-on-his-election-victory- The Russian Federation congratulates President Mahinda Rajapakse on his election victory 29 January 2010 SLBC 7 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20160129190728/http://www.slbc.lk/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/2413-the-russian-federation-congratulates-president-mahinda-rajapakse-on-his-election-victory- 29 January 2016 dead Japan – The Government of Japan congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his victory at the presidential election. Katsuya Okada, Japanese Foreign Minister, issuing a communique, stated that the Japanese government hopes the resettlement of displaced persons will be expedited in a country that has shown steady progress.http://www.newsfirst.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8070:japan-congratulates-president-rajapaksa&catid=3:news-items&Itemid=204 JAPAN CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT RAJAPAKSA 1 February 2010 News First 7 February 2010 22 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110722145806/http://www.newsfirst.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8070:japan-congratulates-president-rajapaksa&catid=3:news-items&Itemid=204 live Nepal – Nepali Congress (NC) President Girija Prasad Koirala has congratulated incumbent Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his victory in the presidential election of Sri Lanka for the second time. He further went on to say "Your victory to the post of President is the result of your vital role to the establishment of peace, ending longtime armed conflict in Sri Lanka". He expressed his confidence that the peace and human rights would be institutionalised during Rajapaksa's term of office.http://www.ekantipur.com/2010/01/28/South-Asia/Koirala-congratulates-Rajapaksa-for-victory/307254/ Koirala congratulates Rajapaksa for victory 28 January 2010 Kantipur (daily) 7 February 2010 20 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110720114528/http://www.ekantipur.com/2010/01/28/South-Asia/Koirala-congratulates-Rajapaksa-for-victory/307254/ live Vietnam – Vietnam's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Nguyễn Phương Nga congratulated Mahinda Rajapaksa's re-election as president. "We hope the Sri Lankan people, under the clear-sighted leadership of Mahinda Rajapaksa, will attain still greater achievements in national reconstruction and development," she said.http://english.vietnamnet.vn/politics/201001/Viet-Nam-China-good-friends-and-partners-in-2010-892217/ Viet Nam, China good friends and partners in 2010 28 January 2010 Vietnamnet 7 February 2010 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100203233032/http://english.vietnamnet.vn/politics/201001/Viet-Nam-China-good-friends-and-partners-in-2010-892217/ 3 February 2010 European Union – Welcoming the peaceful conduct of presidential polls in Sri Lanka, the European Union today promised all out support for bringing political reconciliation in the country ravaged by decades of ethnic conflict. Congratulating President Mahinda Rajapaksa for winning the 26 January polls, it "welcomed that the Presidential Elections in Sri Lanka, the first election of this kind for many years, took place in an overall peaceful environment.http://www.ptinews.com/news/495001_EU-says-Sri-Lanka-polls-held-in-peaceful-environment EU says Sri Lanka polls held in peaceful environment 2010 Press Trust of India 7 February 2010 5 February 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100205144055/http://ptinews.com/news/495001_EU-says-Sri-Lanka-polls-held-in-peaceful-environment live Norway – Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his re-election on 26 January. In his message, Solheim stated that "I would like to congratulate President Rajapaksa. Norway and Sri Lanka enjoy close and longstanding bilateral relations. We intend to continue our cooperation with the Government and people of Sri Lanka with a view to promoting lasting peace and development, We note that the election itself was relatively peaceful. However, we are concerned by reports of unrest and violent incidents during the lead-up to the election, as well as of possible violations of the election law. We urge that these allegations be investigated in accordance with Sri Lankan law and the country’s democratic traditions."http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/ud/press/News/2010/sri_lanka.html?id=592542 Solheim congratulates Sri Lanka's President on his re-election 29 January 2010 Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Norway) 7 February 2010 10 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121010204248/http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/ud/press/News/2010/sri_lanka.html?id=592542 live Presidential inauguration The 3rd Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka states that if a president was re-elected for a second term via an early presidential election, their second term starts on the next date corresponding to the date of the beginning of their first term.1982 Sri Lankan presidential election 2025-11-09 Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1982_Sri_Lankan_presidential_election&oldid=1321188965 2025-11-14 en As such, Mahinda Rajapaksa was inaugurated for his second term of office at a ceremony held on the footsteps of the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, on 19 November 2010. His oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Asoka de Silva.2010-11-19 Sri Lanka's President Rajapaksa sworn in for new term https://www.bbc.com/news/world-south-asia-11795299 2025-11-14 BBC News en-GB Notes N References External links Official websites Office of the President of Sri Lanka https://web.archive.org/web/20110725214707/http://www.president.gov.lk/ 25 July 2011 Department of Elections https://web.archive.org/web/20100127234212/http://www.slelections.gov.lk/ 27 January 2010 Election monitors Centre for Monitoring Election Violence Island Election Center Media Twenty-two candidates for Lanka presidential election – Radio France Internationale in English Election manifestos "Mahinda's Vision II - Brighter Future" - Election manifesto of Mahinda Rajapaksa (English) "Mahinda Chinthana II - Suba Anagathayak" - Election manifesto of Mahinda Rajapaksa (Sinhala) "Vishvasaneeya Venasak" - Election manifesto of Sarath Fonseka (Sinhala) "Vishvasaneeya Venasak" - Election manifesto of Sarath Fonseka (English) Sri Lanka Sri Lanka