Sri Lanka's new president, Maithiripala Sirisena, faced calls from heads of states and international rights groups to address accountability for mass atrocities committed against the Tamil people, along side calls to demilitarise the North-East and address devolution of power, as he took office on Friday. President Sirisena, who was endorsed by a coalition of parties, including the UNP, JVP, TNA and SLMC, won 51.28% (6,217,162 votes), beating incumbent Mahinda Rajapaksa, who won 47.58% (5,768,090 votes).
The new president Maithripala Sirisena must stop the “vicious military occupation of the north,” and perpetuation of “genocide against the Tamil population,” whilst allowing Tamils to “determine their own future,” said the Tamil Refugee Council (TRC) in Australia. The TRC convenor, Trevor Grant, further urged the Australian prime minister to push the new leadership in Sri Lanka towards “policies away from military-led repression to a new way that allows Tamils, in particular, to live the way they decide, and in peace and harmony.” See full statement here .
Congratulating the common opposition's presidential candidate, Maithripala Sirisena, on his election victory, the UN Secretary General reiterated that the UN would "continue to support development, reconciliation, political dialogue and accountability in Sri Lanka." “The Secretary-General applauds the Sri Lankan Elections Commission for its professionalism in ensuring a peaceful and credible election,” Ban's spokesperson said in a statement on Friday, adding that the "UN chief also commended the efforts of the candidates, including outgoing President Mahinda Rajapaksa, law enforcement agencies and civil society for upholding and respecting democratic governance."
The Canadian Tamil Congress (CTC) called on newly elected Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to work with the Tamil leadership to “resolve the immediate problems of the Tamil people”, in a statement released on the day he takes up office. Noting Sirisena's victory “marks the end of a decade-long dynastic dictatorship of the Rajapakse family”, the CTC stated that Tamil people had “voted en masse” for change. “After years of suffering inflicted by the current government and despite various acts of intimidation, thousands of voters took to the polls, symbolizing much needed hope for change,” read the CTC statement.
The European Union congratulated Sri Lanka's new president on his election victory on Friday. "I congratulate Maithripala Sirisena on his election as President of Sri Lanka. The EU looks forward to working with him to further develop its relations with Sri Lanka," the EU's Vice President, Federica Mogherini said in a statement .
The leader of the UK Labour party Ed Miliband said Sri Lanka has reached a “new era” in politics and called for it to be guided “by the principles of freedom, justice and fairness,” after the election of Maithripala Sirisena to president. In a statement congratulating the people of Sri Lanka, Miliband said, “The UK must encourage the new Government to build an inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka that works for all of its people that includes all communities, Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim.”
Congratulating the newly elected president, Maithripala Sirisena on his election victory, China highlighted the "strategic cooperative partnership" between the countries. "China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei today in Beijing extended China’s congratulations on Mr. Sirisena’s election as President of Sri Lanka and wish that the Sri Lankan government and people will make new achievements under his leadership," China's embassy in Colombo was quoted by The Island as saying.
Germany expressed its hope for a "fundamental reconciliation between the different communities" on the island, in a message congratulating the newly elected president, Maithripala Sirisena on his win. "I congratulate Maithripala Sirisena on his election victory. We wish him the best of luck and much success for the realisation of his political goals for a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Sri Lank," said the country's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in a statement on Friday.
Sri Lanka’s new government must “fully cooperate with the UN investigation,” said Amnesty International in a press release on Friday. “The lack of accountability for past human rights violations has been the tragic norm in Sri Lanka over the past decade. Tens of thousands of victims and family members are still waiting for the justice they deserve and the new administration must work to deliver it,” said Amnesty International’s deputy Asia pacific director David Griffiths.
A hand grenade exploded by an abandoned house in Point Pedro, Jaffna, on Thursday morning, as polls opened for Sri Lanka's presidential election.