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Sri Lanka’s Rajapaksa ‘admits defeat’ in election

Sri Lanka’s long-time leader Mahinda Rajapaksa has admitted defeat in the presidential election, his office says.

President Rajapaksa has dominated politics for a decade, but faced an unexpected challenge from his health minister Maithripala Sirisena.

The statement said Mr Rajapaksa would “ensure a smooth transition of power bowing to the wishes of the people”.

Mr Rajapaksa, who was seeking a third term in office, is credited by many with ending the civil war in 2009.

Source: BBC