Due to the delay in announcing the final election result, the oath taking ceremony of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe which was slated to happen today has been postponed, party sources said.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
Earlier in the day Minister John Amaratunge had said that Wickremesinghe will take oaths before the President in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, both President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe were engaged in lengthy talks on forming of the new government today, party sources said.
The UNP which secured 106 seats fell short of an absolute majority by 07 seats. However, some UPFA members who are loyal to President Sirisena are likely to join the government.
Meanwhile the Elections Department a short while ago announced the bonus seats allocated for each political party. The Bonus seats allocations are as follows, UNP 13, UPFA 12, JVP 2, ITAK 2, SLMC 1, EPDP 1.
With the bonus seats, the United National Party has secured 106 seats while the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) has secured 95 seats. The JVP’s tally meanwhile is 06 and ITAK 16 seats, SLMC 1 and EPDP 1.
The United National Party claimed victory at the 2015 parliamentary polls receiving 5,098,927 votes which is 45.66 percent of the votes.
The main opposition United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) where the former president Mahinda Rajapaksa led the campaign received 4,732,669 or 42.38 percent of votes.
Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK), the major constituent in the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) claimed victory in the Tamil-dominated Northern Province receiving 515,963 or 4.62 percent of votes.
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna received 4.87 percent of the vote amounting to 543,944.
Robert.R / August 18, 2015
Very disappointing that given everything was going for it (corruption, nepotism..etc) and incumbency fatigue with SLFP in power for 20 years the UNP could not gain a majority.
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Frank / August 19, 2015
Robert.R the mentally retarded!
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Justice & Fairplay / August 19, 2015
Frank, have you understood the contents of Robert R’s comments?
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Rohan / August 19, 2015
Racism, fake patriotism, scare tactics, all work! Rural masses were taken for a ride.
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Justice & Fairplay / August 19, 2015
Well said Robert R, very disappointing indeed!
Largely, Ranil’s camp seemed busy kicking own goals during the last 6 months.
Uncoordinated forays into the public realm where mouths were shot without engaging their brains (the Cabinet spokesman was probably the worst offender), and giving far too many goal kicking opportunities to the opposition when there should have been none…. these were the main reasons.
In short, the government careered along with a frail if not fragile defense.
The CB issue was allowed to be far more than what it should have been had common sense prevailed. I believe in this instance Ranil W badly erred, in ensuring that not only should justice be done, but it should seem to be done. All what was needed was a transparent investigation and a clear cut explanation to all, and if someone needed to be removed, to do so. This was not done, and this gave rise to the belief that people weren’t really interested. They were, as a result of 10 long years of plunder and looting before!!
This is probably not only Ranil W‘s last chance but also his finest hour. He will be remembered as a truly great son of the soil if he not only spearheaded the economic recovery, but also ensured the independence of the judiciary and the police to carry on with their work without hindrance. Most of all, Ranil will need to ensure that unfinished business from his previous term be brought to satisfactory conclusions such as finding and punishing the plunderers of our national wealth for the last 10 years and also those who were guilty of denying others their right to live on this land.
One small tip: Keep the cabinet filled with men of learning and logic, and desist from filling it with too many lawyers!!
Happily, this Sirisena – Wickramasinghe combination has the makings of the finest combination ever, to rule over this land in the last 50 years. May they flourish for the benefit of all!
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sarath / August 19, 2015
Very pathetic situation, and feel sorry about RW for not being able to get 113 seats. This is merely ‘cos of RW’s faults like CB saga and favoring his schoolmates etc. High time for him to get rid of such mistakes. If he is really love his classmates & schoolmates, he should again go and learn more from Royal.
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jJustice & Fairplay / August 19, 2015
I think this story about Ranil favouring his schoolmates is such a canard, it must be stopped. It is boring.
Reasonable men of learning and sensible thinking will recognize Royal as another school and also recognize that Royalists have every right to bag some important positions in the scheme of things.
Tell me Sarath, would you or would you not want some trusted men around you if you were Prime Minister?
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Chalaka / August 19, 2015
No majority/ceremony postponed – Bad Omen!
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Daya / August 18, 2015
I think there is a mistake in the article. The National list allocation is UNP 13, UPFA 12, JVP 2, ITAK 2. There is no national list allocation for SLMC or EPDP.
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Mahen / August 18, 2015
Agree. There was no allocation for SLMC and EPDP.
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kumaran / August 19, 2015
(1) The Central bank Debenture, (2) the wrong impression given to the mainstream majority when “our Mangala” had close contacts with the diaspora and the inability to re-assure the majority that My3 and RW will never partition the country, dragging the MR family in the mud without tangible proof were some factors that went against the UNFG faction.
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Rohan / August 19, 2015
//dragging the MR family in the mud without tangible proof were some factors that went against the UNFG faction. //
Really? First of all, the family was not dragged in the mud. Then, people generally know how despotic the family was (still is).
If Ranil wanted, he could have done more to put the family in the bad light. I cannot believe why he is protecting them.
By the way, where is Gotabhaya now? Has he left the country yet??
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kutty / August 19, 2015
Well spotted
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Shamil / August 18, 2015
Wish you all the best our Prime Minister and next President.
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len / August 19, 2015
Hate to be the party pooper same sentiments were repeated by expectant masses when MR was elected and then followed by lot of chest beating followed by we are the best in the planet sung by euphoric masses majority who believed the promise of pot of gold for every one at the imaginary rainbow and the promise of we are going to do this and that with new found mega oil finds & to pass Paris as the number one tourist hub, number one financial hub an in education, IT, satellite launching. health tourism, CW games, Olympics to F1,then the haze lifted no pot of gold for ordinary masses only for corrupt politicians and there cronies. Build few high ways spruce up the golden mile where the rich spend their ill-gotten money. Number one Air Port became just fancy building, Mega port in Humbugtota became rock of a obstacle sorry guys I don’t wont to be the one to prick the balloon because it is already letting air out since Arajuna Mahendran tap his son in law in the shoulder with wink and a nod.
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mevan / August 18, 2015
The President and PM – you have the opportunity to use your experience and maturity to work in harmony for the benefit of Sri Lanka and its people. May you use rule wisely. The people look forward to this after enduring 30 years of war and the 10 years of shenanigans by a gang of uneducated, undisciplined rascals, which followed.
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Vetmahadeva / August 18, 2015
Congratulations to UNP and TNA, I expect TNA to be partners in governance and joins the government and demand cabinet posts. You should not only be part of the problem but be part of the solution as well. Thanks Sri Krish
Be part of the Government for the right of the people and social needs, Suresh Premachandran has been handed over a defeat for a clear message from the battered people!
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Gratiaen. / August 18, 2015
We wish you the best dear Prime Minister.You are the one we wanted as the PM of our country and we voted for you!!!!
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proudman / August 19, 2015
Well your vote and those of another few thousand has deprived the Nation of the greatest politician ever produced by our country.
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Rohan / August 19, 2015
//deprived the Nation of the greatest politician ever produced by our country//
Politician, not Leader! There you go!!!
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Yawn Yawn / August 19, 2015
Are you being serious? The “Family” dragged themselves in the mud…no-one else did it. Trying to divide the country over racist issues again…its been quite shameful and this my friend is a classical case of Karma taking place.
The Central Bank bond issue was a problem but nothing compared to the lying corruption and cheating and ammassing of wealth thats taken place over the last ten years.
The sad thing is that after the war MR could have become a respected internation statesman but he could handle it. Thats the tragedy here.
He won the war but couldn’t manage the peace.
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Yawn Yawn / August 19, 2015
If your being serious you are crazy. He won the war and lost the peace.
This is proof that karma really exists. Good luck to the the President and Ranil…..the country can now move forward as a true democracy.
There is the same feeling of freedom this morning as was felt by the nation in January.
So proudman youll get used to it.
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Gobba / August 19, 2015
Greatest plunderer you mean ?
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len / August 20, 2015
proudman [greatest politician ] If Rajapaksa is the greatest in your list I would hate look down the list who is at the bottom. I’m sure you are only kidding. Because if he is the greatest its not very high goal to aim for next person pass morally or ethically or any other category. But however as you say if he is what you say he is explain way Dr Mervyn, Kudu Duminda, Killer Sampath thrived under him. You know what they say ‘birds of a feather flock together’. For me the sad news from Sri Lanka is some People are already elevating RW some one who he will never be. When you got some what of a tweedledee and tweedledum who you going to vote for may be ‘Ghost Busters”
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gamini / August 22, 2015
proudman,
Is that why MR had offered TNA leadership full Federalism if they are to help him form the govt? What a hypocrite MR is?
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Joseph De Vazz / August 18, 2015
Victory over serial killer Angulimala (Gotabaya)
Victory over white van abductions
Victory over corruptions
Victory over Killings of innocent Tamil civilians in the Mullaitivu District (over 75, 000 Tamil civilians been brutally killed according to UN sources)
Victory over Kudu Kings
Victory over Pawul Balaya (Family Power)
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Amarasiri / August 19, 2015
Joseph De Vazz
Victory over ….MaRa MaRa Chatu maRa Amana MaRa Hora MaRa Dhushana Mara Mara…
Jaya Mangala Gatha-Verses of Auspicious Victory (rare Pali version)-Buddhist Chants.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OH9kdeLEX4
Based on the Book of Protection (Paritta Sutta) from the Pali canon, the Jaya Mangala Gatha is sung here in a rare recording by the Mahabodhi Society of India in original Pali. The Jaya Mangala Gatha is a chant recommended by the Buddha to destroy negativity and to generate auspiciousness. It proclaims the 8 major victories of the Buddha which are:
1) Victory over Mara ( MarRa)
2) Victory over the demon Alavaka (Wimal)
3) Victory over the wild elephant Nalagiri (Udu Gamanpila)
4) Victory over serial killer Angulimala (Gotabaya)
5) Victory over the evil intentions of Cinca who sought to defame (Pavitra) 6) Victory over the haughty brahmin Saccaka (Vasudeva)
7) Victory over the serpent king Nandopananda (Susil)
8) Victory over the false views of Brahma Baka (Yapa)
It is said that these verses if chanted with a clear and pure intention are helpful in protecting the seeker by attracting the Good around. No need to keep distributing “Sil Redi” at Temples.
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Arun / August 19, 2015
Great words Sir. I am proud to be a Srilankan.We have a wonderful country and we will give our whole hearted support for the betterment of all Srilankans(whether you are a Sinhalese,Tamil or Muslim).
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proudman / August 19, 2015
Hope it will be delayed for ever. Or atleast till we muster our armed forces to take over.
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Rohan / August 19, 2015
Ha! the Proudman can come out with the real name and claim the Nobel Prize for Peace
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Yawn yawn / August 19, 2015
Proudman..you really need to see a shrink…today is the first day of freedom for at least 10 years.
Now Muslims, Tamils and the Sinhalese have a real opportunity to come together for the betterment of this wondeful Island.
Cry and weep as much as you want…at least you are free to express your opinion without the white van taking you away. A year ago you would have been treading on danferous ground.
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Waltzing Matilda / August 19, 2015
Dream on Bozo and hopefully this nightmare (for you) will continue long into a bright future for the country.
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Namal Perera / August 19, 2015
If not for Ranil, the UNP would have ended up with a better performance and securing more seats. We are really glad of the out come and trust our President will make the right choice for the Premiership. If Ranil is appointed in a minority Government, the life will be short.
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Rohan / August 19, 2015
So, the proposed alternative is…?
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D.Nimal / August 19, 2015
Sri Lankan in and out of Island there is sings of hope in these youth jointly by generation was born 1970 tees,80,90 and 2000 thousand, while the victory of so-called “rainbow revolution” led by UNP-Ranil leadership in 2015 January 9th,that Helmsmen of MS and his political partner and elites advice by CBK the leading thinking tank has to seek sustanabilile solution is urgent meet demands of people of Majority of poverty and development.
The so-called “rainbow revolution” was not ended there at that point, it has been which enlarge 2015 August 17 by same group of command by UNP-Ranil and later that joined by Tony Blair is New member of “Rainbow” team.
The so-called “R…. revolution” has been more Globalization after Tony join the ‘Rainbow’ task force that flushed out National Forces led by MR and alliances in last election result.
UNP’s the set of policies has to understand that so-called which ‘rainbow revolution’ of the motto of “good governances and rule of law ” challenge by in efficient of market capitalism.
If law of commodity production of capitalism that necessary ,if economy is to be efficient that demand equals supply.
Well we all have Globally which there are vast and tremendous unmet needs of an investment to bring the billions or millions poor out of poverty, plundering and exploitation of man by man to be development in less develop capitalist country like Sri lanka.
Ours national economy had not been delivering what political classes UNP & SLFP had been promised; although there was growth in National GDP, but majority People of all walk of life were seeing their standards of living erode even after end of War led by MR ruling alliance 2009 May.
The Sri Lankan families even after end of WAR and before the onset of recession and their income adjusted for inflation were really lower. The economic system and its machine that proved that evidently one that worked only for those few bourgeoisies in top and foreign Capital monopolies .
Is that UNP -Ranil going to change this basic system ?
The inequality growing faster than expected period of time under UNP new Regime last 180 days.
UNP Ranil, Helmsmen of MS and wise thinking tank of CBK has to address high price of commodity an economy order that less stable, less efficient with overall less growth of development and
Sri lanka, political democracy has been put into peril by 67 years of misrule since 1948! of Day of Independence.
This New Political revolution was NOT that led by Revolutionary Bourgeoisies or their class ,but that was behind by ultra modern conservatives of orthodox religion of Christin theologies and Feudal power loss family vandalism or nepotism of several elements were the leaders who were the behind of so-called “rainbow revolution”.
I wish to state the ground reality sinks in that we are no longer a country of an opportunity with that our carry forward, unfinished task of left behind economic development by MR led alliance.
Hence address by that even our long-vaunted good governances, rule of law and social justice have to be compromised even the ours sense of Sri lanka national identity must NOT be put into jeopardized by UNP set of old capitalist mode of operandi by leadership of three in one combination of UNP-Ranil, MS and CBK set of policies.
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wolfpack / August 19, 2015
>> The Bonus seats allocations are as follows, UNP 13, UPFA 12, JVP 2, ITAK 2, SLMC 1, EPDP 1.
1. The wording is wrong. It should be National List seats not bonus seats. The bonus seats are allocated to the district winners and are already accounted for.
2. The total number of national list seats is 29. Here it is 31.
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Jayasingha / August 19, 2015
Most of the Sirisena/Ranil backers of the SLFP in the last govt lost their seats. Also in spite of Sirisena being SLFP/UPFA leader could not win the Polonnaruwa district for the party. MR did so for Kurunegala. This shows the difference in commitment of MS vs MR for the benefit of the party. I think all new MPs from the UPFA must reject to join a national govt and be a strong opposition for democracy. Its an achievement for MR to gain so much of seats for the party in spite of back stabbing and ugly dictatorial tactics by MS to destabilize the party and the election campaign.
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Muditha Kulasuriya / August 19, 2015
[Edited out] We are sorry, the comment language is English – CT
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Rahula / August 19, 2015
one thing came out clearly. That is the mentality and the perceptions of the UNP and the UPFA voters. UNP voted to elect men of honesty, integrity and professionals to Parliament whereas the UPFA elected Platform performers, entertainers and street fighters.
Saw this in one of the E Mail forwards. How true.
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Nimal Tissa Wijetunga / August 19, 2015
Pls remember two things have gone wrong for Ranil,
1) Power Devolution to North and East specifically.
2) Cover up of Central Bank Bond Scam.
3) Unnecessary mud slinging to Mahinda Rajapaksha and Family as most of the incidents have no basis and just speculations only.
Pls note that these issues have the greatest potential to bring him down as a zero as well.
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Japwatch / August 19, 2015
Congratulations PM. Great to have you back. Civility will reign again and Sri Lankans can walk with dignity and respect in and outside Sri Lanka.
What are these sad comments from some? Doesn’t matter, I don’t understand what they are trying to say anyway :)
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Chandra / August 22, 2015
RW would not have dared to contest outside Colombo for a prominent place in the preferential list whereas for MR options are numerous. Do not forget, whether in power or not MR is the most popular leader in our country.
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D.Nimal / August 23, 2015
Dr Rohan ….. commenter ,that proposed will not come overnight solutions.
Its need time for emerging forces ,and political resetting development and democracy of growth of Capitalism. Is that long process of democratic forces need be that unmet demands of sustainability of Capitalist growth AND ITS POLITICS COME INTO BEING.
We are that not anarchist or terrorist like south of JVP and north-LTTE of Tamil chauvinist that separatist of who seek Eelam puppet regime , who want divided people of Sri Lankan on the basis of racist ideology and theology.
West of US, UK and EU few juntas are encouraging New type of ‘re-colonization’ of Sri lanka; the covered operation of under “Good Governances and rule of Law” by rightwing conservatries of UNP-Wicks, MS and CBK House of Banadarakeya of feudal -Tamil decadence of the family nepotism.
This is new national question of has to address by democracy revolution, not that by the UNP-Wicks…, CBK and MS led 2015 January 8th so-called ” Rain Bow Revolution” was headed by another rural lumped classes join hand with Urban comprador bourgeoisies.
Imperialist capitalism in world wide failing to produce what they promised in Globally ,that is too apply Sri lanka, as well.
But is now delivering UNP-Wicks… MS & CBK on what was NOT promised development, democracy of ‘rule of law’ ,an independence of Judiciary, elected member of Parliament members by national list selected by People rejected totally by UNP MS and CBK ,and Rigging election results by UNP and MS administration back by CBK-family SLFP politics , and unemployment.
Needless to say most important of all in “New Democracy Governances” is the degradation of 67 years OLD DEMOCRACY of VALUES to the point where everything is acceptable and well NO ONE IN ACCOUNTABLE IN THIS JUNTA RULE BY UNP-WICK… MS & CBK SINCE SO-CALLED 2015 JANUARY 9TH RAINBOW COUNTER -REVOLUATION!
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