Maithripala Sirisena was sworn in as the 6th President of Sri Lanka at the iconic Independence Square in Colombo. The oath was administered by senior Supreme Court judge, K Siripavan. Immediately after this, Ranil Wickeramasinghe was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of the country. Accompanying the two leaders at the ceremony were former President Chandrika Kumartunga, former army General Sanath Fonseka, leaders of alliance parties, supporters and hundreds of other dignitaries. High Commissioner Y K Sinha represented India at the simple, yet dignified ceremony.

In his brief speech following the oath ceremony, Sri Lanka’s 6th President, Maithripala Sirisena said that he had no intention to contest another Presidential election. He thanked the Election Commission and the police for ensuring free and fair elections. He also thanked the leaders of his alliance parties, who he said had worked hard for this success. Maithripala promised the people that he would honour all the promises made in his 100 days programme and manifesto. He was critical of state controlled media for its role during the campaigning and said that a new political culture will have to be created in the country. He said his government would follow an inclusive foreign policy.

Following the ceremony, Colombo reverberated with fireworks from all parts of the city, as celebrations erupted over smooth transfer of power and success of democratic elections. Reports of celebrations in opposition party offices across the country are trickling in. Earlier in the day High Commissioner Y K Sinha called on the new leader and handed him the letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, congratulating Maithripala on his success and inviting him to visit India at the earliest.