Former Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa attributed Maithripala Sirisena's victory to the votes from "Eelam", referring to the Tamil votes.
While addressing his supporters in Medamuluna, Rajapaksa told crowds said that he was only defeated in the North, East and Estate districts.
Asked by a member of the crowd "Sir, why didn't you kill and take it? Why didn't you kill and win?", Rajapaksa replies, "we can't do that.. there should be democracy in the country. Remember, they got the majority of the votes.. from Eelam or wherever."
"We united the country, that is why they won. If it had only been here [South] it would have been me every day," he adds.
"He has become President and I will go to the opposition. For the first time the majority party will become the opposition. This is their 'change'. People with the least support become Prime Ministers. This is their 'change'. They have shown us the 'change'— those with the least support become Prime Ministers and those that command 130 become the Opposition. Their 'change' is clear. We are thankful for your support."
"I will stay, I will stay. I will stay".
"I will not go. We have lost before and we stayed. We will stay now too. I will never run leaving the people behind. No flying abroad"
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