The new president Maithripala Sirisena won because of the support of minority political parties that "basically worked on separatism" said the SLFP member and former government's spokesperson, Keheliya Rambukwella.

Asked by the Sunday Leader what went wrong for Rajapaksa in the election, Rambukwella replied:

"Nothing went wrong. If you look at the map won by President Maithripala you can see that is also very much equal to the Eelam map. That speaks all about it. It is not an accusation. Everybody has the right to vote. It is a matter that minority political parties basically worked on separatism. Because Sampanthan is seriously talking in parliament about the division of the country and at the same time they talk about full autonomy and federal system. Chandrika being a champion of federalism I won’t be surprised at the outcome. That made the difference. 450,000 votes came from the North and East."

Asked to clarify his answer and confirm whether he was "saying that their campaign appeal mostly to the minority", Rambukwella replied:

"Yes. Minority is also a separate sector.  Minority is part of the society and part of the citizens of the country. Here the ulterior motive is different."

"When you look at the votes, it is the minority vote that has put Maithripala Sirisena to the presidency. That’s okay. We have no concern on that. But that is what happened," he later added.

See full interview here.

Related article: Maithri won on Eelam vote says Rajapaksa (11 Jan 2015)