By our news bureau
President Mahinda Rajapaksa has won Sri Lanka’s first election since Tamil Tiger rebels were defeated after 25 years of civil war, state TV reports. Although the final results are yet to be declared, Mr Rajapaksa appears to have won more than half the votes cast, reports BBC.
BBC adds: About 100 armed troops have surrounded the Colombo hotel where his election rival, Gen Sarath Fonseka, is staying. A government spokesman told the BBC they did not intend to hold Gen Fonseka but were looking for army deserters.
The BBC’s Anbarasan Ethirajan, who is in the same central Colombo hotel as Gen Fonseka and other opposition leaders, says the troops’ presence has created a very tense atmosphere. A military spokesman said their presence was a “protective measure”.
Source: BBC
