Leader of the Opposition of Sri Lanka, and founder and leader of Samagi Jana Balawegaya Sajith Premadasa, while speaking at WION’s Global Innovation and Leadership Summit held in Colombo on Saturday (May 2) said that his country believes in nurturing its relations with India. He also backed India's bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;Speaking at the event Premadasa said "We believe in nurturing strategic ties with India." He then said, "Sri Lanka strongly backs India’s bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council."<h2>Premadasa urges India to play larger role</h2>In the face of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East he said, "The ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Middle East, along with the deeply concerning spillover of military hostilities into the Indian Ocean region, serve as a stark reminder of our shared vulnerabilities."&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bargi-dam-cruise-boat-tragedy-heartbreaking-photo-of-mother-and-son-clinging-to-each-other-fake-jabalpur-collector-says-ai-generated-1777701429547">Bargi Dam cruise boat tragedy: Heartbreaking photo of mother and son clinging to each other fake? Jabalpur collector says...</a>&nbsp;Given the security scenario, Premadas urged India to play a larger role to “maintain long-term peace across the South Asian region.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Sri Lanka has navigated its way through an unprecedented economic crucible. We have weathered the storms, borne the hardships of structural reforms and emerged with a resilient, stabilized macroeconomic foundation. Now the era of near recovery is behind us,&quot; says Sajith… <a href="https://t.co/ntDoHWQKAe">pic.twitter.com/ntDoHWQKAe</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/2050503316896141312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"In this volatile climate, India’s role is absolutely indispensable for ensuring security, enforcing stability, and maintaining long-term peace across the South Asian region. The Global South must work together to democratise access to artificial intelligence infrastructure," said Premadas at WION's Leadership Summit.&nbsp;He also said that economic crisis faced by Sri Lanka in the recent years is a thing of the past and his country has entered an "era of near recovery".&nbsp;"Sri Lanka has navigated its way through an unprecedented economic crucible. We have weathered the storms, borne the hardships of structural reforms and emerged with a resilient, stabilized macroeconomic foundation. Now the era of near recovery is behind us," said Sajith Premadasa

Given the security scenario, Premadas urged India to play a larger role to maintain long-term peace across the South Asian region.

Leader of the Opposition of Sri Lanka, and founder and leader of Samagi Jana Balawegaya Sajith Premadasa, while speaking at WION’s Global Innovation and Leadership Summit held in Colombo on Saturday (May 2) said that his country believes in nurturing its relations with India. He also backed India's bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council. Speaking at the event Premadasa said "We believe in nurturing strategic ties with India." He then said, "Sri Lanka strongly backs India’s bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council." Premadasa urges India to play larger role In the face of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East he said, "The ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Middle East, along with the deeply concerning spillover of military hostilities into the Indian Ocean region, serve as a stark reminder of our shared vulnerabilities." ALSO READ: Bargi Dam cruise boat tragedy: Heartbreaking photo of mother and son clinging to each other fake? Jabalpur collector says... Given the security scenario, Premadas urged India to play a larger role to “maintain long-term peace across the South Asian region.”

Given the security scenario, Premadas urged India to play a larger role to "maintain long-term peace across the South Asian region.

WION summit: Sri Lanka backs India's bid for permanent UNSC seat, says opposition leader Sajith Premadasa

Sri Lanka opposition leader Sajith Premadasa withdrew on Tuesday from the race to become president of the island nation, in order to support a rival candidate.

Sri Lankan Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa withdraws from Presidential election race

Sri Lanka’s main opposition leader Sajith Premadasa on Tuesday withdrew his candidature for President of the island nation and said he is supporting rival candidate Dullas Alahapperuma.

Sri Lanka: Leader of opposition Premadasa withdraws Presidential candidacy

Sajith Premadasa, the Leader of the Opposition in Sri Lanka, urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 4 to support the island country to the greatest extent feasible, despite the country's economic problems.&nbsp;

"Please try and help Sri Lanka to the maximum possible extent. This is our motherland. We need to save our motherland, "Premadasa said in a message to Indian PM Narendra Modi, as quoted by ANI.

Furthermore, when asked if the country is ready for elections, he said, "I can tell you, I myself and we all have been ready ever since we entered social service and political service. We are ready for any eventuality."

Meanwhile, speaking to ANI, the Opposition leader termed the Cabinet Ministers' resignation a melodrama and said, "The melodrama is being enacted to fool the people of the country. There's no genuine effort to bring sanity to our society and relief to the people. It's an exercise to fool the people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-cabinet-resigns-as-protesters-defy-curfew-468104">Also Read:&nbsp;Sri Lanka's cabinet resigns as protesters defy curfew</a>

Sri Lanka is experiencing a foreign exchange crisis, which has hampered the country's ability to purchase food and fuel, resulting in power outages.

Due to a shortage of basic products, Sri Lanka was forced to seek aid from friendly countries.

Twenty-six members of Sri Lanka's Cabinet resigned on Sunday, amid mounting public outrage over the government's handling of the country's economic crisis.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka asked all political parties to join a unity cabinet on Monday as part of the government's efforts to address public outrage over the island nation's worst economic crisis.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Sri Lankan cabinet resigns en masse

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/economic-crisis-sri-lankan-cabinet-resigns-en-masse-dr-aruna-kulatunga-exclusive-468145/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Sajith Premadasa, the Leader of the Opposition in Sri Lanka, urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 4 to support the island country to the greatest extent feasible, despite the country's economic problems.

Sajith Premadasa, the Leader of the Opposition in Sri Lanka, urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 4 to support the island country to the greatest extent feasible, despite the country's economic problems. "Please try and help Sri Lanka to the maximum possible extent. This is our motherland. We need to save our motherland, "Premadasa said in a message to Indian PM Narendra Modi, as quoted by ANI. Furthermore, when asked if the country is ready for elections, he said, "I can tell you, I myself and we all have been ready ever since we entered social service and political service. We are ready for any eventuality." Meanwhile, speaking to ANI, the Opposition leader termed the Cabinet Ministers' resignation a melodrama and said, "The melodrama is being enacted to fool the people of the country. There's no genuine effort to bring sanity to our society and relief to the people. It's an exercise to fool the people." Also Read: Sri Lanka's cabinet resigns as protesters defy curfew Sri Lanka is experiencing a foreign exchange crisis, which has hampered the country's ability to purchase food and fuel, resulting in power outages. Due to a shortage of basic products, Sri Lanka was forced to seek aid from friendly countries. Twenty-six members of Sri Lanka's Cabinet resigned on Sunday, amid mounting public outrage over the government's handling of the country's economic crisis. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka asked all political parties to join a unity cabinet on Monday as part of the government's efforts to address public outrage over the island nation's worst economic crisis. Watch: Sri Lankan cabinet resigns en masse (With inputs from agencies)

'Please try and save our motherland': Sri Lanka opposition leader to Indian PM Modi

WION in an exclusive conversation spoke to Sri Lanka's Ex-leader of opposition Sajith Premadasa on the current situation of pandemic COVID-19 in Sri Lanka.

Exclusive: Sajith Premadasa, Sri Lanks's Ex-leader of oppn speaks on current COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka

WION in an exclusive conversation spoke to Sri Lanka's Ex-leader of opposition Sajith Premadasa on - what Sri Lanka at this point wants from the World Health Organization.

WION exclusive conversation with Sri Lanka's Ex-leader of opposition Sajith Premadasa

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

Jaishankar made the announcement after meeting Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka, a day after the latter took oath as the seventh President of the island nation.

"A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President @GotabayaR. Conveyed PM @narendramodi's message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity and security. Confident that under his leadership, India-SriLanka relations would reach greater heights," Jaishankar Tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GotabayaR</a>. Conveyed PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a>’s message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity &amp; security. Confident that under his leadership, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaSriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaSriLanka</a> relations would reach greater heights. <a href="https://t.co/pDxZf0ZM3A">pic.twitter.com/pDxZf0ZM3A</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1196789834536423425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"President @GotabayaR has accepted PM @narendramodi's invitation to visit India on 29th November," he added.

Rajapaksa, 70-year old, defeated Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently concluded Presidential elections, country's election commission announced on Sunday.

He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka's newly elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday. Jaishankar made the announcement after meeting Rajapaksa in Sri Lanka, a day after the latter took oath as the seventh President of the island nation. "A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President @GotabayaR. Conveyed PM @narendramodi's message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity and security. Confident that under his leadership, India-SriLanka relations would reach greater heights," Jaishankar Tweeted. A warm meeting with Sri Lanka President @GotabayaR. Conveyed PM @narendramodi’s message of a partnership for shared peace, progress, prosperity & security. Confident that under his leadership, #IndiaSriLanka relations would reach greater heights. pic.twitter.com/pDxZf0ZM3A — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) November 19, 2019 × "President @GotabayaR has accepted PM @narendramodi's invitation to visit India on 29th November," he added. Rajapaksa, 70-year old, defeated Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently concluded Presidential elections, country's election commission announced on Sunday. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's newly-elected President accepts PM Modi's invitation to visit India on November 29

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who spearheaded the brutal crushing of the Tamil Tigers 10 years ago, stormed to victory Sunday in Sri Lanka's presidential elections seven months after Islamist extremist attacks killed 269 people.

The retired lieutenant colonel, nicknamed the "Terminator" by his own family, won 53-54 per cent of the vote, his spokesman told AFP as Rajapaksa's main rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ruling-party-candidate-premadasa-concedes-sri-lanka-presidential-poll-to-rajapaksa-262678">Sajith Premadasa </a>of the ruling party conceded the race.

"It is a clear win. We envisaged it. We are very happy that Gota will be the next president. He will be sworn in tomorrow or the day after," spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said.

Rajapaksa, 70, had a 49.6 per cent share of the vote with close to six million ballots counted. He is the younger brother of the charismatic but controversial Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was president from 2005-15.

Results from Sinhalese-majority regions -- the Rajapaksas' core support base -- were expected to push this above 50 per cent.

Premadasa, 52, of the ruling party was trailing at 44.4 per cent. He had strong support in minority Tamil areas and a poor showing in larger Sinhalese constituencies.

Election Commission chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said at least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/voting-concludes-in-sri-lanka-president-polls-result-may-come-by-sunday-afternoon-262601">80 per cent </a>of the 15.99 million eligible voters participated in Saturday's poll, which was marred by isolated violence that left several people injured.

Rajapaksa conducted a nationalist campaign with a promise of security and a vow to crush religious extremism in the Buddhist-majority country following the April 21 suicide bomb attacks blamed on a homegrown jihadi group.

Three luxury hotels and three churches were targeted in the coordinated bombings. The Islamic State group also claimed responsibility for the attack, which left 45 foreigners dead.

Saturday's poll was the first popularity test of the United National Party (UNP) government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who stepped aside and allowed his deputy Premadasa to stand in the election.

Intelligence failure&nbsp;

Wickremesinghe's administration faced severe criticism for failing to prevent the attacks despite prior warnings from an intelligence agency of neighbouring India, according to findings of a parliamentary investigation.

Premadasa also offered better security and a pledge to make a former war general, Sarath Fonseka, his national security chief, projecting himself as a victim seeking to crush terrorism.

He is the son of assassinated ex-president Ranasinghe Premadasa who fell victim to a Tamil rebel suicide bomber in May 1993.

Gotabaya is adored by the Sinhalese majority and by the powerful Buddhist clergy for directing security forces to crush Tamil separatists and end a 37-year separatist war in May 2009 with brother Mahinda.

But they are detested and feared by many Tamils, who make up 15 per cent of the population. The conflict ended with some 40,000 Tamil civilians allegedly killed by the army.

Some in the Muslim community, who make up 10 per cent of the population, are also fearful of Gotabaya becoming president, having faced days of mob violence in the wake of the April attacks.

Under his brother, Gotabaya was defence secretary and effectively ran the security forces, allegedly overseeing "death squads" that bumped off rivals, journalists and others. He denies the allegations.

During that time, Sri Lanka also borrowed heavily from China for infrastructure projects and even allowed two Chinese submarines to dock in Colombo in 2014, alarming Western countries as well as India.

The projects ballooned Sri Lanka's debts and many turned into white elephants -- such as an airport in the south devoid of airlines -- mired in corruption allegations.

China also offered Sri Lanka "international diplomatic protection" against criticism for its rights record, analyst Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu told AFP.

The Rajapaksas "spent and spent without giving any consideration to how it has to be paid back".

Unlike in 2015 when there were bomb attacks and shootings, this election was relatively peaceful by the standards of Sri Lanka's fiery politics.

The only major incident was on Saturday when gunmen fired at two vehicles in a convoy of at least 100 buses taking voters from the Muslim minority to vote. Two people were injured.

After a campaign that according to the Election Commission was the worst ever for hate speech and misinformation, final results could come by later Sunday.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who spearheaded the brutal crushing of the Tamil Tigers 10 years ago, stormed to victory Sunday in Sri Lanka's presidential elections seven months after Islamist extremist attacks killed 269 people.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who spearheaded the brutal crushing of the Tamil Tigers 10 years ago, stormed to victory Sunday in Sri Lanka's presidential elections seven months after Islamist extremist attacks killed 269 people. The retired lieutenant colonel, nicknamed the "Terminator" by his own family, won 53-54 per cent of the vote, his spokesman told AFP as Rajapaksa's main rival Sajith Premadasa of the ruling party conceded the race. "It is a clear win. We envisaged it. We are very happy that Gota will be the next president. He will be sworn in tomorrow or the day after," spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said. Rajapaksa, 70, had a 49.6 per cent share of the vote with close to six million ballots counted. He is the younger brother of the charismatic but controversial Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was president from 2005-15. Results from Sinhalese-majority regions -- the Rajapaksas' core support base -- were expected to push this above 50 per cent. Premadasa, 52, of the ruling party was trailing at 44.4 per cent. He had strong support in minority Tamil areas and a poor showing in larger Sinhalese constituencies. Election Commission chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said at least 80 per cent of the 15.99 million eligible voters participated in Saturday's poll, which was marred by isolated violence that left several people injured. Rajapaksa conducted a nationalist campaign with a promise of security and a vow to crush religious extremism in the Buddhist-majority country following the April 21 suicide bomb attacks blamed on a homegrown jihadi group. Three luxury hotels and three churches were targeted in the coordinated bombings. The Islamic State group also claimed responsibility for the attack, which left 45 foreigners dead. Saturday's poll was the first popularity test of the United National Party (UNP) government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who stepped aside and allowed his deputy Premadasa to stand in the election. Intelligence failure Wickremesinghe's administration faced severe criticism for failing to prevent the attacks despite prior warnings from an intelligence agency of neighbouring India, according to findings of a parliamentary investigation. Premadasa also offered better security and a pledge to make a former war general, Sarath Fonseka, his national security chief, projecting himself as a victim seeking to crush terrorism. He is the son of assassinated ex-president Ranasinghe Premadasa who fell victim to a Tamil rebel suicide bomber in May 1993. Gotabaya is adored by the Sinhalese majority and by the powerful Buddhist clergy for directing security forces to crush Tamil separatists and end a 37-year separatist war in May 2009 with brother Mahinda. But they are detested and feared by many Tamils, who make up 15 per cent of the population. The conflict ended with some 40,000 Tamil civilians allegedly killed by the army. Some in the Muslim community, who make up 10 per cent of the population, are also fearful of Gotabaya becoming president, having faced days of mob violence in the wake of the April attacks. Under his brother, Gotabaya was defence secretary and effectively ran the security forces, allegedly overseeing "death squads" that bumped off rivals, journalists and others. He denies the allegations. During that time, Sri Lanka also borrowed heavily from China for infrastructure projects and even allowed two Chinese submarines to dock in Colombo in 2014, alarming Western countries as well as India. The projects ballooned Sri Lanka's debts and many turned into white elephants -- such as an airport in the south devoid of airlines -- mired in corruption allegations. China also offered Sri Lanka "international diplomatic protection" against criticism for its rights record, analyst Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu told AFP. The Rajapaksas "spent and spent without giving any consideration to how it has to be paid back". Unlike in 2015 when there were bomb attacks and shootings, this election was relatively peaceful by the standards of Sri Lanka's fiery politics. The only major incident was on Saturday when gunmen fired at two vehicles in a convoy of at least 100 buses taking voters from the Muslim minority to vote. Two people were injured. After a campaign that according to the Election Commission was the worst ever for hate speech and misinformation, final results could come by later Sunday.

Sri Lanka presidential election 2019: Gotabaya Rajapaksa storms to victory

Sri Lanka's ruling party candidate Sajith Premadasa Sunday conceded the presidential poll on Sunday and congratulated his main rival, former wartime defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka's ruling party candidate Sajith Premadasa Sunday conceded the presidential poll on Sunday and congratulated his main rival, former wartime defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. "It is my privilege to honour the decision of the people and congratulate Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election as the seventh President of Sri Lanka," Premadasa said. Premadasa's statement came as a spokesman for Rajapaksa claimed that the 70-year-old retired lieutenant colonel had won Saturday's vote before the final results were formally announced. Earlier Rajapaksa's spokesperson Keheliya Rambukwella said that they got between 53 to 54 per cent of the vote. The retired lieutenant colonel secured massive support in majority Sinhalese constituencies and had 52.87 per cent of the vote, according to early official results of Saturday's poll. (With inputs from, AFP)

Ruling party candidate Premadasa concedes Sri Lanka presidential poll to Rajapaksa

Sri Lanka's former wartime defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has won the presidency with a clear majority, his spokesman told AFP on Sunday, a day after the polls.

Sri Lanka's former wartime defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has won the presidency with a clear majority, his spokesman told AFP on Sunday, a day after the polls. "We got between 53 to 54 percent (of the vote)," Keheliya Rambukwella said as official results showed the 70-year-old heading to victory in Saturday's fiercely contested election. The 70-year-old retired lieutenant colonel secured massive support in majority Sinhalese constituencies and had 52.87 per cent of the vote, according to early official results of Saturday's poll. His younger rival, Housing minister Sajith Premadasa, 52, was trailing with 39.67 per cent in the first half a million votes counted. He had strong support in minority Tamil areas and a poor showing in larger Sinhalese constituencies. Leftist Anura Kumara Dissanayake was in third place with less than five per cent of the vote. There were 32 other candidates for the top job. Election Commission chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said at least 80 per cent of the 15.99 million eligible voters participated in Saturday's poll, which was marred by isolated violence that left several people injured. Rajapaksa conducted a nationalist campaign with a promise of security and a vow to crush religious extremism following the April 21 suicide bomb attacks blamed on a homegrown jihadi group. Three luxury hotels and three churches were targeted in the coordinated bombings. The Islamic State too claimed responsibility for the attack which also left 45 foreigners dead. Saturday's poll was the first popularity test of the United National Party (UNP) government of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who stepped aside and allowed his deputy Premadasa to stand in the election. Costly intelligence failure Wickremesinghe's administration faced severe criticism for failing to prevent the attacks despite prior warnings from an intelligence agency of neighbouring India, according to findings of a parliamentary investigation. Premadasa also offered better security and a pledge to make a former war general, Sarath Fonseka, his national security chief and projected himself as a victim seeking to crush terrorism. He is the son of assassinated ex-president Ranasinghe Premadasa who fell victim to a tamil rebel suicide bomber in May 1993. Gotabaya is credited with directing security forces to crush Tamil rebels and end a 37-year separatist war in May 2009 during the tenure of his elder brother Mahinda, who was president from 2005 to 2015. The Rajapaksas are adored by Sri Lanka's Sinhalese majority, as well as the powerful Buddhist clergy, for defeating Tamil Tiger separatists and ending a 37-year civil war in 2009. But they are detested and feared by many Tamils, who make up 15 per cent of the population. The conflict ended with some 40,000 Tamil civilians allegedly killed by the army. Some in the Muslim community, who make up 10 per cent of the population, are also fearful of Gotabaya becoming president, having faced days of mob violence in the wake of the April attacks. Under his brother, Gotabaya was defence secretary and effectively ran the security forces, allegedly overseeing "death squads" that bumped off rivals, journalists and others. He denies the allegations. During that time Sri Lanka also borrowed heavily from China for infrastructure projects and even allowed two Chinese submarines to dock in Colombo in 2014, alarming Western countries as well as India. The projects ballooned Sri Lanka's debts and many turned into white elephants -- such as an airport in the south devoid of airlines -- mired in corruption allegations. China also offered Sri Lanka "international diplomatic protection" against criticism for its rights record, analyst Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu told AFP. The Rajapaksas "spent and spent without giving any consideration to how it has to be paid back." Unlike in 2015 when there were bomb attacks and shootings, this election was relatively peaceful by the standards of Sri Lanka's fiery politics. The only major incident was on Saturday when gunmen fired at two vehicles in a convoy of at least 100 buses taking voters from the Muslim minority to vote. Two people were injured. After a campaign that according to the Election Commission was the worst ever for hate speech and misinformation, final results could come by later Sunday.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa spokesman claims victory in Sri Lanka election

Sri Lanka's former wartime defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa was set to become president after his main rival conceded defeat on Sunday in an election that came months after bombings by Islamist militants threw the country into turmoil.

Sri Lanka's former wartime defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa was set to become president after his main rival conceded defeat on Sunday in an election that came months after bombings by Islamist militants threw the country into turmoil. Rajapaksa oversaw the military defeat of Tamil separatists under his brother and then president Mahinda Rajapaksa 10 years ago. He has promised strong leadership to secure the island of 22 million people, the majority of whom are Sinhalese Buddhists. Rajapaksa, 70, would be the latest nationalist leader swept to power across the world, tapping into the anger and fears of majority communities. He and his brothers, who are expected to get key positions, are also seen as closer to China, which has invested billions of dollars building ports, expressways and power stations. But these projects have also led to high debt levels for Sri Lanka. In his first comments, Rajapaksa struck a conciliatory note, suggesting he would be a leader of all Sri Lankans, regardless of their ethnic and religious identities. "As we usher in a new journey for Sri Lanka, we must remember that all Sri Lankans are part of this journey. Let us rejoice peacefully, with dignity and discipline in the same manner in which we campaigned," Rajapaksa said in a tweet. Tamil political parties are strongly opposed to Rajapaksa, who has faced allegations of widespread human rights violations of civilians in the final stages of the war against the separatists in 2009. Rajapaksa and his brother deny the allegations. Muslims, the other large minority group, say they too have faced hostility since the April attacks on hotels and churches in which more than 250 people were killed. Islamic State claimed responsibility. With half the votes counted from Saturday's election, Rajapaksa led with 50.7 percent, while his main rival Sajith Premadasa had 43.8 percent, the election commission said. Defeat Premadasa, a housing minister in the current government that has faced criticism for failing to protect Sri Lankans in the wake of the suicide bombings in April, conceded defeat. "At the conclusion of a hard fought and spirited election campaign, It is my privilege to honour the decision of the people and congratulate Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election as the seventh President of Sri Lanka," Premadasa said. Millions voted to elect a new president to lead the country out of its deepest economic slump in over 15 years, dragged down by its tourism sector following the bombings. His victory margin showed huge support in the Sinhalese-dominated southern parts of the island. Premadasa, who campaigned on policies to help the poor, led in the north and east where minority Tamils are predominant. He urged Rajapaksa to ensure he took all Sri Lankans along and not target those who opposed him in the election. "I also urge Mr. Rajapaksa to ensure that the post-election environment is peaceful, and that no citizen or New Democratic Party supporter is persecuted or harmed for their role in supporting my candidacy," he said, referring to his party.

Sri Lanka strongman Rajapaksa set to become president after rival concedes defeat

Sri Lankans began voting on Saturday for a new president in what could mark a comeback for the Rajapaksa clan, lauded by supporters for crushing the Tamil Tigers but condemned by critics for war crimes, corruption and cosying up to China.

Sri Lanka presidential election: Sajith Premadasa urges people to go out and vote

Sri Lanka polls to have major implications for India

During Sri Lanka presidential election, WION Speaks to Dr. Aruna Kulatunga, Political Analyst from Colombo for more clarity on this.

Sri Lanka presidential election: WION Speaks to Dr Aruna Kulatunga, political analyst from Colombo

Sri Lankans began voting on Saturday for a new president in what could mark a comeback for the Rajapaksa clan, lauded by supporters for crushing the Tamil Tigers but condemned by critics for war crimes, corruption and cosying up to China. Finally, Voting has been concluded and over 80% voter turnout recorded. WION also exclusively spoke to G. Parthasarathy, Political Analyst from New Delhi for more clarity on this.

Sri Lanka presidential election: Voting concluded, over 80% voter turnout recorded

Sri Lanka presidential election: WION Speaks to Zulfick Farzan, Journalist from Colombo for more clarity on this.

Sri Lanka presidential election: WION Speaks to Zulfick Farzan, Journalist from Colombo

Sri Lanka presidential election: WION Speaks to Nilathan Niruthan, Political Analyst from Colombo for more clarity on this.

Sri Lanka presidential election: WION Speaks to Nilathan Niruthan, Political Analyst from Colombo

16 million voters to decide to Sri Lanka's fate

Sri Lanka presidential election: Polling authority hints at a attempt to influence voters

Sri Lanka presidential election: Who holds the edge?

At least 50 Sri Lankan election officials at the capital Colombo's main counting centre were admitted to hospital on Friday with food poisoning on the eve of presidential polls, officials said.

Hospital spokeswoman Pushpa Soysa said the 50 men and women were being treated at the National Hospital after a meal at the centre, responsible for tallying hundreds of thousands of votes.

"We have 50 officials at the moment," Soysa said. "They are being treated for food poisoning."

Police said an investigation was underway just a day before Sri Lanka votes in what has become a closely fought presidential election. Officials said that reserve staff would be brought in if the 50 remain sick.

Campaigning ended on Wednesday night, but police reported sporadic violence, including the stabbing of an author who had published a book on corruption under the former regime.

Over 150,000 officials have been deployed to conduct the election at 12,600 polling booths and nearly 50 counting centres nationwide. Some 15.99 million people are eligible to elect a president from among 35 candidates. Only one of the candidates is a woman.

The two frontrunners are housing minister Sajith Premadasa and the opposition's Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who are said to be neck-and-neck.

At least 50 Sri Lankan election officials at the capital Colombo's main counting centre were admitted to hospital on Friday with food poisoning on the eve of presidential polls, officials said.

At least 50 Sri Lankan election officials at the capital Colombo's main counting centre were admitted to hospital on Friday with food poisoning on the eve of presidential polls, officials said. Hospital spokeswoman Pushpa Soysa said the 50 men and women were being treated at the National Hospital after a meal at the centre, responsible for tallying hundreds of thousands of votes. "We have 50 officials at the moment," Soysa said. "They are being treated for food poisoning." Police said an investigation was underway just a day before Sri Lanka votes in what has become a closely fought presidential election. Officials said that reserve staff would be brought in if the 50 remain sick. Campaigning ended on Wednesday night, but police reported sporadic violence, including the stabbing of an author who had published a book on corruption under the former regime. Over 150,000 officials have been deployed to conduct the election at 12,600 polling booths and nearly 50 counting centres nationwide. Some 15.99 million people are eligible to elect a president from among 35 candidates. Only one of the candidates is a woman. The two frontrunners are housing minister Sajith Premadasa and the opposition's Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who are said to be neck-and-neck.

Ahead of Sri Lanka presidential polls, food poisoning hits 50 election officials

Sajith Premadasa, MP is a Sri Lankan politician. The Cabinet Minister for Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs and Member of Parliament for the Hambantota District. He is the Presidential Candidate from United National Front for 2019 Presidential Election.

Sri Lanka Elections: Who is Sajith Premadasa?

Sri Lankans elect a new president on Saturday in a "finely balanced" race between the early favourite, former defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and government minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-elections-profile-of-sajith-premadasa-can-he-emulate-his-father-again-261712">Sajith Premadasa</a>, who has gained momentum in recent weeks.

The election comes amid a deep slump in the country following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attackers-of-sri-lanka-easter-sunday-bombings-were-inspire-by-isis-238342">Easter Sunday attacks</a> on hotels and churches by Islamist militants that killed over 250 people and sharpened tensions between majority Sinhalese and minority Muslims.

Added to that are long-standing grievances of ethnic Tamils, who say they are still to get justice stemming from the human rights violations during a 26-war civil war with Tamil rebels, especially at the closing stages when a U.N. panel says around 40,000 people were killed.

Gotabaya, who oversaw the military rout of Tamil fighters under his brother and then president Mahinda Rajapaksa, has campaigned on a platform of national security, playing on the fears of Sinhalese Buddhists following the April attacks claimed by Islamic State.

Premadasa has sought to fire up the countryside with promises of free housing, schools uniforms for students and sanitary pads for women - touching on a topic rarely discussed in public but which has drawn women to his rallies.

Both the frontrunners in a field of 35 candidates said they will seek a balance in Sri Lanka's political and economic ties with China and India that have competed for influence in the island that sits near busy shipping lanes.

In Pictures:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-look-at-sri-lankas-rocky-history-leading-up-to-presidential-polls-261628">A look at Sri Lanka's rocky history leading up to presidential polls</a>

However, Rajapaksa and his family are seen closer to China, which has led to post-civil war reconstruction.

There are no opinion polls but political strategists in the two main campaigns, the minority parties and political analysts say the race has become much closer in recent weeks.

Initially, Rajapaksa was strongly favoured but Premadasa is seen to have closed in on him in the final two weeks of the campaign, they say.

An internal assessment shared by a government minister who is supporting the Premadasa campaign shows an edge over Rajapaksa after initially trailing him. But Kehelia Rambukwella, the spokesman for the Rajapaksa campaign, told Reuters on Friday the team was confident of winning.

The election is now "finely balanced" between the two frontrunners, Eurasia said in a note. While Gotabaya is banking on the support of the Sinhalese, Premadasa has been assured the support of Tamil parties who strongly oppose a return of the Rajapaksas.

Muslims are also concerned they would be targeted in large-scale surveillance and raids that a Gotabaya presidency might bring.

"The prospect of a new Rajapaksa presidency has heightened ethnic tensions and raised fears among minorities and democratic activists," said Alan Keenan from the International Crisis Group.

About 16 million people are eligible to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-steps-up-security-for-final-vote-rallies-261898">vote on Saturday</a> with the ballot allowing voters to choose up to three candidates in order of preference.

Votes will be counted soon after polling stations close that evening but the results are not expected before Sunday.

Anyone who gets over 50 per cent of votes as the first choice will win. If there is no clear winner, authorities will hold a second round of counting to determine the winner through preference votes.

One of the challenges the new president will face is to service Sri Lanka's foreign debt, which stands at 45 per cent&nbsp;of its gross domestic product.

A quarter of the debt is owed to China, which has raised fears of a loss of sovereignty after Sri Lanka was forced to hand over control of the giant Hambantota port in a debt-for-equity swap with Beijing in 2017.

"The management of debt is going to be a challenge, we are still paying down the interest on the loans we have taken, we have to start paying the principal, the repayments will rise," said Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne who is on Premadasa's campaign.

Growth hit a 17-year low of 3.2 per cent in 2018, and the IMF has forecast expansion to fall to 2.7 per cent&nbsp;in 2019 as the Easter Sunday attacks dented tourism and broader business activity.

"Given the headwinds facing the economy, we think growth will struggle whoever wins," said Capital Economics in a note. There might be a slight nudge if Rajapaksa wins, reflecting the prospect of an upturn in Chinese investment because of his family's close ties with Beijing, it said.

Sri Lankans elect a new president on Saturday in a "finely balanced" race between the early favourite, former defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and government minister Sajith Premadasa, who has gained momentum in recent weeks.

Sri Lankans elect a new president on Saturday in a "finely balanced" race between the early favourite, former defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and government minister Sajith Premadasa, who has gained momentum in recent weeks. The election comes amid a deep slump in the country following Easter Sunday attacks on hotels and churches by Islamist militants that killed over 250 people and sharpened tensions between majority Sinhalese and minority Muslims. Added to that are long-standing grievances of ethnic Tamils, who say they are still to get justice stemming from the human rights violations during a 26-war civil war with Tamil rebels, especially at the closing stages when a U.N. panel says around 40,000 people were killed. Gotabaya, who oversaw the military rout of Tamil fighters under his brother and then president Mahinda Rajapaksa, has campaigned on a platform of national security, playing on the fears of Sinhalese Buddhists following the April attacks claimed by Islamic State. Premadasa has sought to fire up the countryside with promises of free housing, schools uniforms for students and sanitary pads for women - touching on a topic rarely discussed in public but which has drawn women to his rallies. Both the frontrunners in a field of 35 candidates said they will seek a balance in Sri Lanka's political and economic ties with China and India that have competed for influence in the island that sits near busy shipping lanes. In Pictures: A look at Sri Lanka's rocky history leading up to presidential polls However, Rajapaksa and his family are seen closer to China, which has led to post-civil war reconstruction. There are no opinion polls but political strategists in the two main campaigns, the minority parties and political analysts say the race has become much closer in recent weeks. Initially, Rajapaksa was strongly favoured but Premadasa is seen to have closed in on him in the final two weeks of the campaign, they say. An internal assessment shared by a government minister who is supporting the Premadasa campaign shows an edge over Rajapaksa after initially trailing him. But Kehelia Rambukwella, the spokesman for the Rajapaksa campaign, told Reuters on Friday the team was confident of winning. The election is now "finely balanced" between the two frontrunners, Eurasia said in a note. While Gotabaya is banking on the support of the Sinhalese, Premadasa has been assured the support of Tamil parties who strongly oppose a return of the Rajapaksas. Muslims are also concerned they would be targeted in large-scale surveillance and raids that a Gotabaya presidency might bring. "The prospect of a new Rajapaksa presidency has heightened ethnic tensions and raised fears among minorities and democratic activists," said Alan Keenan from the International Crisis Group. About 16 million people are eligible to vote on Saturday with the ballot allowing voters to choose up to three candidates in order of preference. Votes will be counted soon after polling stations close that evening but the results are not expected before Sunday. Anyone who gets over 50 per cent of votes as the first choice will win. If there is no clear winner, authorities will hold a second round of counting to determine the winner through preference votes. One of the challenges the new president will face is to service Sri Lanka's foreign debt, which stands at 45 per cent of its gross domestic product. A quarter of the debt is owed to China, which has raised fears of a loss of sovereignty after Sri Lanka was forced to hand over control of the giant Hambantota port in a debt-for-equity swap with Beijing in 2017. "The management of debt is going to be a challenge, we are still paying down the interest on the loans we have taken, we have to start paying the principal, the repayments will rise," said Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne who is on Premadasa's campaign. Growth hit a 17-year low of 3.2 per cent in 2018, and the IMF has forecast expansion to fall to 2.7 per cent in 2019 as the Easter Sunday attacks dented tourism and broader business activity. "Given the headwinds facing the economy, we think growth will struggle whoever wins," said Capital Economics in a note. There might be a slight nudge if Rajapaksa wins, reflecting the prospect of an upturn in Chinese investment because of his family's close ties with Beijing, it said.

Sri Lanka presidential race tightens as minorities seek to stop Rajapaksa

Sri lanka elections: Profile of Sajith Premadasa; Can he emulate his father again?