Rajapaksa admits defeat, Modi hails Sirisena win

Colombo, Jan 9: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Friday conceded defeat in the presidential election after officials indicated a landslide win for joint opposition candidate Maithripala Sirisena. Stunned by the setback in an election he called two years ahead of schedule anticipating a win, Rajapaksa did not make any public comment but an aide said he had accepted defeat. Rajakpaksa's press officer said the president "concedes defeat and will ensure a smooth transition of power bowing to the wishes of the people". He said Rajapaksa had left his official residence and that the new leader of the island nation would be sworn in later Friday. Official results will be known later Friday but Sirisena is expected to garner more than 50 percent of the over 11 million votes polled Thursday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first world leaders to congratulate Sirisena.