A New Era Begins for Sri Lanka After President Mahinda Rajapaksa Concedes Defeat

Supporters of Sri Lanka's main opposition presidential candidate Maithripala Sirisena burst firecrackers at the end of voting in the presidential election in Colombo. Image by Chamila Karunarathne. Copyright Demotix (8/1/2015) On Friday morning, Sri Lankans woke up to news that was unthinkable only a few weeks ago -- President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who took office on 19 November 2005, conceded defeat to 63-year-old former Health Minister...

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Your Guide to Sri Lanka's 2015 Presidential Election

Sri Lankan election commission workers carry ballot boxes while escorted by police on the eve of presidential elections in Colombo. Image by Chamila KarunaRathne. Copyright Demotix (7/1/2015) Sri Lankans are going to the polls on Thursday, January 8, in one of the most closely contested, significant presidential elections in the nation's history. Every six years, Sri Lanka elects a new president and legislature. The parliament has 225 members,...

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