Prime Minister-elect Ranil Wickremesinghe hailed the people’s mandate to carry forward the 8 January revolution and issued a clarion call for unity in the country as he claimed victory for his party in Monday’s crucial parliamentary poll. 

“The majority of the people of this country have approved the continuance of good governance and consensual politics endorsed by the people through the silent revolution of 8 January,” Wickremesinghe said in a special statement issued before final results were released yesterday. 

The incoming Prime Minister urged people not to remain divided as winners and losers any longer. 

“I invite all of you to join hands with us to face the challenges of our mission.  Let us together build a civilised society, build a consensual government and create a new country with equal opportunities for everybody,” Wickremesinghe’s statement said. 

“I offer my grateful thanks to all parties and individuals who worked untiringly during the election period to ensure victory for the people. We have been able to create a peaceful atmosphere needed for a free and fair election,” the statement said. (DB)