President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressed his thanks to the voters of Sri Lanka for their firm commitment to democracy which resulted in the historic and resounding victory for him in the Presidential election held on January 26, 2010. He pointed out that it was the first free and fair election held throughout the country in nearly three decades, and since the defeat of terrorism last year.

The President stated that the result was an endorsement of his leadership in eliminating terrorism, restoring peace and paving the way for national reconciliation and the peaceful development of the country.

Following is the full statement :

President’s thanks for victory of democracy

I thank the voters of Sri Lanka for their firm commitment to democracy which resulted in the historic and resounding victory for me and the people, in the first free and fair election held throughout the country in nearly three decades, and since the defeat of terrorism last year.

I value the keen interest and participation of all sections of society in this election, which showed the maturity of the Sri Lankan electorate and their endorsement of my leadership in eliminating terrorism, restoring peace and paving the way for national reconciliation and the peaceful development of the country.

I note that the high voter turnout at this election was far higher than any other democracy in Asia, or the Western world, which enhances the stature of the Sri Lankan voters, and my own pride in leading this nation which remains firmly rooted in its belief in the democratic process.

I am fully appreciative of the role that all sections of society, especially women, youth and elders, played in the unprecedented participation of voters of all regions of the country to make this decisive victory possible.

I wish to express my special gratitude to the Maha Sangha and the clergy of all religions for their efforts to ensure a free and fair election; the Commissioner of Elections and the staff of his Department, who carried out their task without fear or favour; all Public Servants who carried out election duty and other related functions necessary for the successful conduct of the election; the Police and members of the Security Forces for assuring a peaceful poll; Sri Lankan and foreign polls observers who witnessed the working of democracy in Sri Lanka and all those who voted for me to ensure my victory, as well as those who voted for other candidates in the true spirit of and belief in democracy.

I am glad for the widespread recognition that this was a peaceful election, and now call upon the people to put all the rivalry of the campaign behind, and join hands irrespective of ethnicity, religion, political or any other differences and disagreements, to march ahead to further strengthen democracy, achieve national reconciliation and carry out the tasks of development that are ahead.

I wish all Sri Lankans a Prosperous Future.

Mahinda Rajapaksa