2010 Sri Lankan presidential election

In 2005, Mahinda Rajapaksa was elected to his first term as president, defeating opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, the United National Party (UNP) candidate. Prior to the election, Mahinda Rajapaksa was Prime Minister under President Chandrika Kumaratunga. Rajapaksa won a narrow victory, by 190,000 votes, or 50.29% of the popular vote. The separatist Tamil Tigers had called for a boycott of the election in the Northern and Eastern provinces, resulting in a minimal turnout, which the opposition claimed resulted in their defeat.{{cite news| url =http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4447794.stm| title =Hardliner wins Sri Lanka election| work =BBC News| date =18 November 2005| access-date =27 January 2010| archive-date =4 February 2012| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20120204101327/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4447794.stm| url-status =live}}

The Constitution of Sri Lanka allows the president to ask for a fresh election after four years into his first term of office (per the Constitution, a President is elected to a six-year term).{{cite web|url=http://www.priu.gov.lk/Cons/1978Constitution/Chapter_07_Amd.html|title=The Constitution of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka – Chapter VII|publisher=Government of Sri Lanka|access-date=2 December 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091210023047/http://www.priu.gov.lk/Cons/1978Constitution/Chapter_07_Amd.html|archive-date=10 December 2009}} Accordingly, President Rajapaksa informed the Commissioner of Elections on 23 November 2009 of his intention to hold a presidential election before the end of his current term of office.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/11/24/pol01.asp|title=President seeks fresh mandate|date=2 November 2009|work=Daily News|access-date=2 December 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091127053727/http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/11/24/pol01.asp|archive-date=27 November 2009}}

The elections would be the first presidential elections to be held in Sri Lanka since the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War.

Dayananda Dissanayake, the Commissioner of Elections, announced on 27 November 2009 that the presidential election would be held on 26 January 2010. Nominations for the election were accepted on 17 December 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12568&Itemid=44|title=Presidential Election on January 26, 2010|date=27 November 2009|publisher=The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka|access-date=7 December 2009|archive-date=11 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091211003123/http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12568&Itemid=44|url-status=live}} Sri Lankans registered with the Department of Elections and eligible to vote totalled 14,088,500, up from 13,327,160 in the November 2005 presidential elections. Over 11,000 polling booths were set up across the country for receiving ballots.{{cite news | first=Satarupa | last=Bhattacharjya | title=One million more voters for Presidential poll | date=22 November 2009 | url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/091122/News/nws_01.html | work=The Sunday Times | access-date=23 November 2009 | archive-date=21 January 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121092150/http://sundaytimes.lk/091122/News/nws_01.html | url-status=live }}

President Rajapaksa decided to end his six-year term almost two years early, that he might seek a fresh mandate and a longer term based on contemporary political successes that greatly increased his popularity. These included the military defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, as well as the end of the 26-year Sri Lankan Civil War in May 2009.{{cite news|title=Sri Lanka Rebels Concede Defeat|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2009-05-17-voa11-68644392/407997.html|date=17 May 2009|publisher=Voice of America|access-date=31 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212160442/http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/a-13-2009-05-17-voa11-68644392.html|archive-date=12 February 2010|url-status=live}} These were accomplishments the previous three presidents of Sri Lanka had tried and failed to secure. Having succeeded where they had failed, Rajapaksa's United People's Freedom Alliance achieved unprecedented victories in the provincial council elections that followed the end of the war.

General Sarath Fonseka was considered a national hero{{cite news | title=General intentions | date=19 November 2009 | url=http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14915330 | newspaper=The Economist | access-date=15 December 2009 | archive-date=10 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091210033131/http://www.economist.com/world/asia/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14915330 | url-status=live }} for bringing an end to the Sri Lankan Civil War while serving as commander of the Sri Lankan Army from 2005 to 2009. However, following the military victory, tensions grew between President Rajapaksa and Fonseka, who later accused Rajapaksa of sidelining him after the end of the conflict. Opposition parties expected early elections and approached Fonseka, asking him to run as a "common candidate" for the opposition against Rajapaksa. After weeks of rumours, Fonseka eventually retired from the military in November 2009 and announced his candidacy two weeks later. He ran as the New Democratic Front's candidate, using the swan symbol.{{cite news|url=http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/12/16/news34.html|title=Record number of candidates|last=Amaranayake|first=Vindya|publisher=The Bottom Line, Sri Lanka|access-date=16 December 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091219162050/http://www.thebottomline.lk/2009/12/16/news34.html|archive-date=19 December 2009}}

Apart from Rajapaksa and Fonseka, twenty other candidates had their nominations accepted, and appeared on ballot papers.

One nomination—J.A. Peter Nelson Perera of the Sri Lanka Progressive Front—was rejected on technical grounds. Five independent candidates ran as minor contenders. This was the most candidates in a Sri Lankan presidential election at the time, breaking the record of 13 in the 2005 presidential election.{{cite news | title=Nelson Perera's nomination rejected, 22 accepted | date=17 December 2009 | url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=6552 | work=Ada Derana | access-date=17 December 2009 | archive-date=20 December 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091220033548/http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=6552 | url-status=live }}

Sri Lankan police received nearly 975 election-related complaints, and 375 arrests were made relative thereto.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/26/sec01.asp|title=Police to take stern action|last=Jalaldeen|first=Rafik|date=26 January 2010|work=Daily News|access-date=27 January 2010|location=Colombo|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130200421/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/26/sec01.asp|archive-date=30 January 2010}} The Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) had recorded 809 incidents from 23 November 2009, when the elections were officially announced, to 25 January 2010.{{cite web|url=http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/cmev-interim-report_25_01_2010_final_full.pdf|title=Presidential Election 2010: Interim Report I|date=25 January 2010|publisher=Centre for Monitoring Election Violence|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=28 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128061501/http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/cmev-interim-report_25_01_2010_final_full.pdf|url-status=live}} People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has recorded 666 incidents between 17 December 2009 and 25 January 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.paffrel.lk/pdf/Presidential%20Election%20-2010%20Incidents.pdf|title=Presidential Election 2010: Incident Chart of the Pre Election Period|date=25 January 2010|publisher=People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=22 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722145807/http://www.paffrel.lk/pdf/Presidential%20Election%20-2010%20Incidents.pdf|url-status=live}} The UN, United States, and EU expressed concern over the level of violence.{{cite news|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33536&Cr=&Cr1=|title=Sri Lanka: Ban concerned over rising violence ahead of presidential polls|date=20 January 2010|publisher=UN News Centre|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-date=24 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124174535/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33536&Cr=&Cr1=|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article80223.ece|title=U.S. expresses concern over poll-related violence in Sri Lanka|last=B. Muralidhar Reddy|date=13 January 2010|work=The Hindu|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-date=10 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910121431/http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article80223.ece|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/37&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en|title=Statement by High Representative / Vice President Catherine Ashton on Sri Lanka's pre-election situation|date=20 January 2010|publisher=EU|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-date=1 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201111022/http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/37&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en|url-status=live}} Election monitoring groups stated that this election was the most violent in more than 20 years.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8471760.stm|title=United Nations concern over Sri Lanka poll violence|date=21 January 2010|work=BBC News|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-date=14 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714151052/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8471760.stm|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2010/s2799549.htm|title=Violence flares before Sri Lankan election|last=Sara|first=Sally|date=23 January 2010|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921052831/https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/am|url-status=live}} Although supporters of both main candidates were blamed for the incidents, the responsibility for most was pinned on Rajapaksa's supporters.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/component/content/article/129-front-page/1788.html|title=Election Violence on the Rise|date=21 January 2010|publisher=Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124070854/http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/component/content/article/129-front-page/1788.html|archive-date=24 January 2010|url-status=dead}} However, government politician Wimal Weerawansa accused the opposition of orchestrating violence against their own supporters and meetings in order to blame Rajapaksa's backers.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/21/pol02.asp|title=Opposition hand behind polls violence|last=de Silva|first=Lakshmi|date=21 January 2010|work=Daily News|access-date=22 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124093215/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/21/pol02.asp|archive-date=24 January 2010|url-status=dead}} According to the National Polls Observation Center, criminal gangs and deserters from the army were employed to incite violence.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/21/news02.asp|title=Army deserters used to incite violence – NPOC|last=Muttiah|first=M.P.|date=21 January 2010|work=Daily News|access-date=22 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124092902/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/21/news02.asp|archive-date=24 January 2010|url-status=dead}}

The government promised tight security on the day of the election, deploying over 68,000 policemen to keep the polls safe, with the Sri Lankan Military providing additional support. The election monitoring group Centre for Free and Fair Elections deployed 6,500 monitors on election day, with the PAFFREL deploying a further 6,000, including 14 foreign monitors. The government denied rumours of possible post-election violence, with Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama saying, "I don't think the people of Sri Lanka have time for street protests. It has never happened."{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/print/index.php/component/content/article/129-front-page/2136-d-day-for-sri-lanka.html|title=Vote and act peacefully, says Polls Chief|last=Jayasekera|first=Sandun A.|date=26 January 2010|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=27 January 2010|location=Colombo}}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Election day was largely peaceful, with a few minor incidents reported.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8478386.stm|title=Bitter rivals vie for Sri Lanka presidency|date=26 January 2010|work=BBC News|access-date=26 January 2010|archive-date=26 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100126051944/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8478386.stm|url-status=live}} According to Inspector General of Police Mahinda Balasuriya, no major incidents occurred during the election.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/27/news11.asp|title=No major incidents – IGP|last=Malalasekera|first=Sarath|date=27 January 2010|work=Daily News|access-date=27 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604050816/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/27/news11.asp|archive-date=4 June 2011}} A number of explosions, however, were heard in Jaffna and Vavuniya in the north of the country during the day.{{cite news|url=http://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31064|title=TNA parliamentarian's office attacked, bomb blasts heard, in Jaffna|date=26 January 2010|publisher=Tamil Net|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921052715/https://www.tamilnet.com/art.html?catid=13&artid=31064|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1147-twin-grenade-explosions-in-vavuniya.html|title=Twin grenade explosions in Vavuniya|date=26 January 2010|publisher=Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=28 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128092100/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1147-twin-grenade-explosions-in-vavuniya.html|url-status=live}}

There were hundreds of violent incidents during the run-up to the election.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8465202.stm|title=Two people killed in Sri Lanka pre-poll attacks|date=18 January 2010|work=BBC News|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717015123/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8465202.stm|url-status=live}} Officially, there have been four murders related to the election:

• 12 January 2010 – Kusumawathie Kuruppuarachchi, a 58-year-old mother was shot dead when gunmen on motorbikes opened fire on a bus carrying Fonseka supporters in Hungama, Hambantota District.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8454285.stm|title=Sri Lanka pre-election attack leaves one person dead|date=12 January 2010|work=BBC News|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921052827/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8454285.stm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/08th-media-communique_12_01_2010_english_final.pdf|title=Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 8|date=12 January 2010|publisher=Centre for Monitoring Election Violence|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-date=28 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128062156/http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/08th-media-communique_12_01_2010_english_final.pdf|url-status=live}}
• 16 January 2010 – Saman Kumara, a Rajapaksa supporter, was shot dead in a clash between supporters of the two main candidates in Madurankuliya, Puttalam District.{{cite news|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100117/News/nws_04.html|title=High tension in Puttalam, Matara|date=17 January 2010|publisher=Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-date=25 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125013023/http://sundaytimes.lk/100117/News/nws_04.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/13th-media-communique_16_01_2010_english_final.pdf|title=Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 13|date=16 January 2010|publisher=Centre for Monitoring Election Violence|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-date=28 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128062043/http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/13th-media-communique_16_01_2010_english_final.pdf|url-status=live}}
• 18 January 2010 – Dhammika Herath, a 33-year-old businessman, was beaten to death whilst pasting posters supporting Fonseka in Wariyapola, Kurunegala District.{{cite news|url=http://www.island.lk/2010/01/19/news25.html|title=Polls violence takes third life|last=Palihawadena|first=Norman|date=19 January 2010|publisher=The Island, Sri Lanka|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-date=25 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125213604/http://www.island.lk/2010/01/19/news25.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://cmev.wordpress.com/2010/01/18/presidential-election-2010-media-communique-no-15/#more-541|title=Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 15|date=18 January 2010|publisher=Centre for Monitoring Election Violence|access-date=21 January 2010}}
• 18 January 2010 – D.M. Suranga Indrajith, a 27-year-old driver for government minister Jayarathna Herath, was killed in a grenade attack in Vanduragala, Kurunegala District.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/974-attack-on-minister-jayaratne-heraths-residence-.html|title=One killed in grenade attack |date=18 January 2010|publisher=Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)|access-date=21 January 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://cmev.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/presidential-election-2010-media-communique-no-16/#more-550|title=Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 16|date=18 January 2010|publisher=Centre for Monitoring Election Violence|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-date=20 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120220920/http://cmev.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/presidential-election-2010-media-communique-no-16/#more-550|url-status=live}}

The CMEV has linked a fifth death to the elections:

• 19 January 2010 – Lingeswaran, a Fonseka supporter, was found dead on the Kandy-Matale railway line in Warapitiya, Matale District.{{cite web|url=http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/16th-media-communique_19_01_2010_english_final.pdf|title=Presidential Election 2010: Media Communiqué No. 17|date=19 January 2010|publisher=Centre for Monitoring Election Violence|access-date=21 January 2010|archive-date=28 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128061409/http://cmev.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/16th-media-communique_19_01_2010_english_final.pdf|url-status=live}}

There were accusations of widespread misuse of state property during the election campaign.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8482270.stm|title=Sri Lanka president wins re-election - state TV|date=27 January 2010|work=BBC News|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921052717/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482270.stm|url-status=live}} State-owned institutions paid for numerous advertisements supporting Rajapaksa,{{cite news|url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2010/01/03/misuse-of-public-property-and-funds/|title=Misuse of Public Property And Funds|last=Abeywickrema|first=Mandana Ismail|date=3 January 2010|publisher=The Sunday Leader|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617023934/http://www.thesundayleader.lk/2010/01/03/misuse-of-public-property-and-funds/|archive-date=17 June 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.island.lk/2009/12/26/news12.html|title=Misuse of public resources: TISL receives 60 complaints|date=26 December 2009|publisher=The Island, Sri Lanka|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=15 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115093631/http://www.island.lk/2009/12/26/news12.html|url-status=live}} while public officials, state owned buildings and vehicles were allegedly used for Rajapaksa's campaign.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8482270.stm|title=Sri Lanka president wins re-election – state TV|date=27 January 2010|work=BBC News|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=21 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921052717/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482270.stm|url-status=live}} State-owned television stations gave extensive coverage to Rajapaksa's campaign, with little mention of other candidates. Elections Commissioner Dissanayake criticised the government for not preventing the misuse of state resources.{{cite news|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20100126-sri-lanka-heads-polls-tense-election|title=Sri Lanka heads to polls for tense election|date=26 January 2010|publisher=France 24|access-date=27 January 2010}}{{dead link|date=May 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Postal voting for the presidential election took place on 12 and 13 January 2010. A grace period was granted until noon on 26 January for postal voters. Applications for this form of absentee voting totalled 458,154, with 401,118 applications accepted by the Elections Department.{{cite news|url=http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13170&Itemid=44|title=Postal voting to be monitored|date=11 January 2010|work=The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka|access-date=23 January 2010|archive-date=24 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124145649/http://www.news.lk//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13170&Itemid=44|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/09/pol03.asp|title=Postal voting at work places on Jan 12, 13|date=9 January 2010|work=Daily News|access-date=23 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100112073214/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/09/pol03.asp|archive-date=12 January 2010|url-status=dead}} More than 80% of postal voters cast their votes on 12 and 13 January, this period ending with "no major incidents" according to the National Polls Observation Centre and the People's Action for Free and Fair Election (PAFFREL).{{cite news|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/01/14/postal-voting-ends-no-major-incidents|title=Postal Voting Ends with No Major Incidents|last=Jayashan|first=Anjana|date=14 January 2010|work=Asian Tribune|access-date=23 January 2010|archive-date=16 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100116224126/http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/01/14/postal-voting-ends-no-major-incidents|url-status=live}}

Voting for the presidential election began at 7:00 am on 26 January 2010. A total of 11,098 election centres and 888 counting centres were set up throughout the country.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/26/pol01.asp|title=Polls Today|date=26 January 2010|work=Daily News|access-date=26 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129041526/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/26/pol01.asp|archive-date=29 January 2010}} The Elections Commissioner had requested that voters cast their ballots early in the day.{{cite news|url=http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13415&Itemid=44|title=Cast your vote early – Polls Chief|date=25 January 2010|work=Government News Portal|access-date=26 January 2010|archive-date=28 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128010058/http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13415&Itemid=44|url-status=live}}

Rajapaksa voted in the morning at Medamulana,{{cite news|url=http://www.slbc.lk/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/2385-the-president-joins-to-cast-his-vote-in-medamulana-|title=The President joins to cast his vote in Medamulana|date=26 January 2010|work=Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=26 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news|url=http://www.srilankanelections.com/index.php?page_cat=news&page=details&code_title=81|title=President Cast his Vote|date=26 January 2010|work=The Island|access-date=26 January 2010|archive-date=16 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716124234/http://www.srilankanelections.com/index.php?page_cat=news&page=details&code_title=81|url-status=usurped}} as did opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo.{{cite news|url=http://www.srilankanelections.com/index.php?page_cat=news&page=details&code_title=84|title=Opposition leader Cast his Vote|date=26 January 2010|work=The Island|access-date=26 January 2010|archive-date=16 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716124445/http://www.srilankanelections.com/index.php?page_cat=news&page=details&code_title=84|url-status=usurped}} Candidate Fonseka did not vote, claiming that he had not been allowed to do so despite his eligibility.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1150-fonseka-dispels-rumors-over-his-vote.html|title=Fonseka dispels rumors over his vote|last=Silva|first=Dianne|date=26 January 2010|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=26 January 2010|archive-date=29 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129071105/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1150-fonseka-dispels-rumors-over-his-vote.html|url-status=live}} The government later challenged this, stating that if he were not qualified to vote, he would "not (be) entitled to become elected".{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/27/pol02.asp|title=SF violated election law, says UPFA|date=27 January 2010|work=Daily News|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130184825/http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/01/27/pol02.asp|archive-date=30 January 2010|url-status=dead}} It announced that legal action would be sought against his candidacy,{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1163-government-to-sue-fonseka-.html|title=Government to sue Fonseka|last=Jayasekera|first=Sandun A.|date=27 January 2010|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=29 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129071620/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1163-government-to-sue-fonseka-.html|url-status=live}} although the election commissioner had ruled that he was eligible to run in the election.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1151-ec-says-fonseka-eligible.html|title=Polls Chief says Fonseka eligible|date=26 January 2010|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=29 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129214304/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1151-ec-says-fonseka-eligible.html|url-status=live}} By the time voting ended at 4.00 pm, over 70% of eligible voters had turned out, though in the Northern and Eastern provinces, figures were less than 20%.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1152-more-than-70-percent-vote.html|title=More than 70 percent vote|date=26 January 2010|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=26 January 2010|archive-date=29 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129214307/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1152-more-than-70-percent-vote.html|url-status=live}} Sri Lanka's stock market recorded an all-time high on election day; the Colombo Stock Exchange jumped 1.58%, putting it up 131% since the end of the war.{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/companyNews/idINSGE60P0AJ20100126|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709022343/http://in.reuters.com/article/companyNews/idINSGE60P0AJ20100126|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 July 2012|title=S.Lanka shares at record high on earning hope amid polls|last=Sirilal|first=Ranga|author2=Aneez, Shihar |date=26 January 2010|work=Reuters|access-date=26 January 2010}}

Final turnout was 74.5%, with 10,495,451 voting out of the 14,088,500 voters registered. Of these, 10,393,613 were ruled valid votes, with 101,838 rejected. According to the end result, Rajapaksa was elected to a second term of office with 6,015,934 votes, or 57.88% of the vote. Fonseka finished second with 4,173,185 votes, or 40.15%.{{cite web|url=http://www.slelections.gov.lk/presidential2010/AIVOT.html|title=All Island Final Result|date=27 January 2010|publisher=Department of Elections of Sri Lanka|access-date=27 January 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805152306/http://www.slelections.gov.lk/presidential2010/AIVOT.html|archive-date=5 August 2012}} Fonseka announced that he did not accept the results, and that legal action would be taken. Supporters of Rajapaksa took to the streets on the announcement of the result, waving national flags and lighting firecrackers.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482963.stm|title=Fonseka rejects Sri Lanka election win for Rajapaksa|date=27 January 2010|work=BBC|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717085258/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482963.stm|url-status=live}} Rajapaksa called his victory "a choice of the people" and that he was then President of everyone in the country.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1245-mahinda-accepts-peoples-victory.html|title=Mahinda accepts "people's victory"|date=27 January 2010|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=30 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130015205/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php/news/1245-mahinda-accepts-peoples-victory.html|url-status=live}}

{{Election results

|cand1=Mahinda Rajapaksa|party1=Sri Lanka Freedom Party|votes1=6015934

|cand2=Sarath Fonseka|party2=New Democratic Front|votes2=4173185

|cand3=Mohomad Cassim Mohomad Ismail|party3=Democratic United National Front|votes3=39226

|cand4=Achala Ashoka Suraweera|party4=National Development Front|votes4=26266

|cand5=Channa Janaka Sugathsiri Gamage|party5=United Democratic Front|votes5=23290

|cand6=W. V. Mahiman Ranjith|party6=Independent|votes6=18747

|cand7=A. S. P Liyanage|party7=Sri Lanka Labour Party|votes7=14220

|cand8=Sarath Manamendra|party8=New Sinhala Heritage|votes8=9684

|cand9=M. K. Shivajilingam|party9=Independent|votes9=9662

|cand10=Ukkubanda Wijekoon|party10=Independent|votes10=9381

|cand11=Lal Perera|party11=Our National Front|votes11=9353

|cand12=Siritunga Jayasuriya|party12=United Socialist Party|votes12=8352

|cand13=Vikramabahu Karunaratne|party13=Left Front|votes13=7055

|cand14=Aithurus M. Illias|party14=Independent|votes14=6131

|cand15=Wije Dias|party15=Socialist Equality Party|votes15=4195

|cand16=Sanath Pinnaduwa|party16=National Alliance|votes16=3523

|cand17=M. Mohamed Musthaffa|party17=Independent|votes17=3134

|cand18=Battaramulle Seelarathana Thero|party18=Jana Setha Peramuna|votes18=2770

|cand19=Senaratna de Silva|party19=Patriotic National Front|votes19=2620

|cand20=Aruna de Zoyza|party20=Ruhuna People's Party|votes20=2618

|cand21=Upali Sarath Kongahage|party21=United National Alternative Front|votes21=2260

|cand22=Muthu Bandara Theminimulla|party22=All Are Citizens, All Are Kings Organisation|votes22=2007

|invalid=101838

|electorate=14088500

|source=[http://www.slelections.gov.lk/presidential2010/AIVOT.html Election Commission]

}}

File:Sri Lankan Presidential Election 2010.png|Winners of polling divisions

File:2010 Sri Lankan Presidential Election, overall results.png|Winners of electoral districts

Wahlkreiskarte Praesidentschaft Sri Lanka 2010.svg|Majorities according to polling divisions

Wahlbezirkskarte Praesidentschaft Sri Lanka 2010.svg|Majorities according to electoral districts

Election observers and advocacy groups have questioned the fundamental fairness of the campaign, accusing Mr. Rajapaksa of using state resources to finance his run. State-owned news media all but shut out opposition candidates.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/world/asia/28lanka.html | work=The New York Times | title=President of Sri Lanka Is Re-elected by Wide Edge | first=Lydia | last=Polgreen | date=28 January 2010 | access-date=23 May 2010 | archive-date=28 January 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128052841/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/28/world/asia/28lanka.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://sify.com/news/8203Sri-Lanka-blocks-websites-hours-before-election-results-news-kb1kIGhbbda.html |title=Sri Lanka blocks websites hours before election results |website=Sify |access-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130075330/http://sify.com/news/8203Sri-Lanka-blocks-websites-hours-before-election-results-news-kb1kIGhbbda.html |archive-date=30 January 2010 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.livemint.com/2010/01/27173151/Sri-Lanka-election-On-the-gro.html |title=Sri Lanka election: On the ground report from Colombo – International News |publisher=livemint.com |date=27 January 2010 |access-date=21 August 2010 |archive-date=3 April 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403053404/http://www.livemint.com/2010/01/27173151/Sri-Lanka-election-On-the-gro.html |url-status=live }} Election commissioner Dayananda Dissanayake said the state media violated his guidelines, government institutions misbehaved, and he asked for approval to resign: "I request to be released," he said, just after he announced the results.

On the morning of 27 January, the Sri Lankan military surrounded a hotel where Fonseka and a number of opposition politicians had convened. The military claimed that 400 armed army deserters had gathered there, and demanded their surrender.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1234:colombo-hotel-under-siege&catid=108:breaking-news&Itemid=425|title=Colombo hotel under "siege" |last=Silva|first=Dianne|date=27 January 2010|work=Daily Mirror |access-date=27 January 2010}} Fonseka accused the military of preparing to arrest him if he won the elections. However, according to a military spokesman, they were there merely as a preventive measure, as the purpose of the gathering was uncertain.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482270.stm|title=Sri Lanka president wins re-election – state TV|date=27 January 2010|work=BBC|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=27 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127052218/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8482270.stm|url-status=live}} The military later arrested 10 men, who the opposition claimed were members of Fonseka's security contingent and not army deserters.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1237:fonsekas-officers-handed-over&catid=108:breaking-news&Itemid=425|title=Fonseka's officers handed over|date=27 January 2010|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=27 January 2010|archive-date=30 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130142012/http://www.dailymirror.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1237:fonsekas-officers-handed-over&catid=108:breaking-news&Itemid=425|url-status=live}}

At a press briefing held on Thursday, 28 January, the Director of the Media Centre for National Security, Lakshman Hulugalle, told reporters that Gen. Fonseka moved into the hotel with over 70 retired army officers and deserters to plot the assassination of victorious President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family.{{cite web |author=K.T.Rajasingham |url=http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/01/29/call-getting-louder-arrest-sarath-fonseka |title=Call is getting louder for the arrest of Sarath Fonseka |publisher=Asian Tribune |access-date=21 August 2010 |archive-date=21 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921052718/https://www.godaddy.com/domainsearch/find?key=parkweb&utm_source=godaddy&utm_medium=parkedpages&utm_campaign=x_dom-broker_parkedpages_x_x_invest_b_001&tmskey=dpp_dbs&domainToCheck=asiantribune.com&isc=GPPTCOM&itc=parkedpage_landers |url-status=live }} The Sri Lanka Ministry of Defence reported that they were still looking for evidence to prove Mr. Fonseka's involvement.{{cite web |url=http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100128_02 |title=Army deserters arrested over assassination plot |publisher=Defence.lk |date=28 January 2010 |access-date=21 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329051054/http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20100128_02 |archive-date=29 March 2012 |url-status=dead}}

• {{Flagu|India}} – President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday congratulated Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his re-election and expressed confidence that the country would find lasting peace in which all communities would live with dignity and harmony. President Patil said, "I am confident that under your continued leadership, Sri Lanka will attain greater heights and find lasting peace." Prime Minister Singh said Rajapaksa's electoral success "is a reflection of the trust" the people of Sri Lanka had placed in him.{{cite news|url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/jan/27/pm-patil-call-up-rajapaksa.htm|title=President, PM congratulate Rajapaksa|date=27 January 2010|work=Rediff|access-date=28 January 2010|archive-date=2 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202063105/http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/jan/27/pm-patil-call-up-rajapaksa.htm|url-status=live}}
• {{flagicon|Palestine}} Palestinian Popular Struggle Front – The Front sent a letter in support of President Rajapaksa. "On behalf of the Palestinians in and out of Palestine, (we) express (our) grateful thanks to President Mahinda Rajapasksa, who has been fighting for the Palestinians during the last 40 years."{{cite news|url=http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2009/12/25/palestinians-appeals-sri-lanka-muslims-vote-mahinda-rajapaksa|title=Palestinians appeals Sri Lanka Muslims to vote for Mahinda Rajapaksa|date=25 December 2009|work=Asian Tribune|access-date=26 January 2010|archive-date=27 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127182953/http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2009/12/25/palestinians-appeals-sri-lanka-muslims-vote-mahinda-rajapaksa|url-status=live}}
• {{flag|United Nations}} – UN chief Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday voiced relief that Sri Lanka's presidential polls went off relatively peacefully, and urged the country's political parties to abide by the official results. Secretary-General Ban stated, "I had been concerned at the level of violence during the campaign. I am relieved that the vote yesterday appears to have been relatively peaceful, despite some violent incidents."{{cite news|url=http://www.newsonair.com/news.asp?cat=international&id=IN2289|title=UN chief relieved at Sri Lanka's relatively peaceful polls|date=27 January 2010|work=All India Radio|access-date=28 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714175505/http://www.newsonair.com/news.asp?cat=international&id=IN2289|archive-date=14 July 2011|url-status=dead}}
• {{flagicon|US}} United States Department of State – The United States Embassy in Colombo release a statement which read, "The United States congratulates Sri Lanka for the first nationwide election in decades and President Rajapaksa on his victory. We look forward to continuing the partnership between our two countries and working with the Government and the people to support a peaceful and prosperous Sri Lanka."{{cite web |url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=7023 |title=Sri Lanka News-Adaderana-Truth First |publisher=Adaderana.lk |date=1 January 1970 |access-date=21 August 2010 |archive-date=31 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131072848/http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=7023 |url-status=live }} State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters, "I think it is remarkable when you consider what Sri Lanka has come through recently. There is a process for resolving electoral disputes. We're obviously aware that there have been claims of victory and counterclaims" and ruled out further comment at that time.{{cite news|url=http://au.news.yahoo.com/queensland/a/-/world/6733985/sri-lanka-president-triumphant-after-win/|title=Sri Lanka president triumphant after win|date=28 January 2010|work=Yahoo News|access-date=28 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web |url=http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=7020 |title=Sri Lanka News-Adaderana-Truth First |publisher=Adaderana.lk |date=1 January 1970 |access-date=21 August 2010 |archive-date=31 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131072244/http://www.adaderana.lk/news.php?nid=7020 |url-status=live }}
• {{Flagu|Russia}} – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in his congratulation message says that the policy been conducted by the president aimed at economic development and strengthening of stability will continue to settle social and political issues in the country.{{cite news|url=http://www.slbc.lk/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/2413-the-russian-federation-congratulates-president-mahinda-rajapakse-on-his-election-victory-|title=The Russian Federation congratulates President Mahinda Rajapakse on his election victory|date=29 January 2010|work=SLBC|access-date=7 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129190728/http://www.slbc.lk/index.php/component/content/article/1-latest-news/2413-the-russian-federation-congratulates-president-mahinda-rajapakse-on-his-election-victory-|archive-date=29 January 2016|url-status=dead}}
• {{Flagu|Japan}} – The Government of Japan has congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his victory at the recently concluded presidential election. Katsuya Okada, Japanese Foreign Minister, issuing a communique, states that the Japanese government hopes the resettlement of displaced persons will be expedited in a country that has shown steady progress.{{cite news|url=http://www.newsfirst.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8070:japan-congratulates-president-rajapaksa&catid=3:news-items&Itemid=204|title=JAPAN CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT RAJAPAKSA|date=1 February 2010|work=News First|access-date=7 February 2010|archive-date=22 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722145806/http://www.newsfirst.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8070:japan-congratulates-president-rajapaksa&catid=3:news-items&Itemid=204|url-status=live}}
• {{Flagu|Nepal}} – Nepali Congress (NC) President Girija Prasad Koirala has congratulated incumbent Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his victory in the presidential election of Sri Lanka for the second time. He further went on to say "Your victory to the post of President is the result of your vital role to the establishment of peace, ending longtime armed conflict in Sri Lanka". He expressed his confidence that the peace and human rights would be institutionalised during Rajapaksa's term of office.{{cite news|url=http://www.ekantipur.com/2010/01/28/South-Asia/Koirala-congratulates-Rajapaksa-for-victory/307254/|title=Koirala congratulates Rajapaksa for victory|date=28 January 2010|work=Kantipur (daily)|access-date=7 February 2010|archive-date=20 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720114528/http://www.ekantipur.com/2010/01/28/South-Asia/Koirala-congratulates-Rajapaksa-for-victory/307254/|url-status=live}}
• {{Flagu|Viet Nam}} – Vietnam's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Nguyen Phuong Nga congratulated Mahinda Rajapaksa's re-election as president. "We hope the Sri Lankan people, under the clear-sighted leadership of Mahinda Rajapaksa, will attain still greater achievements in national reconstruction and development," she said.{{cite news|url=http://english.vietnamnet.vn/politics/201001/Viet-Nam-China-good-friends-and-partners-in-2010-892217/ |title=Viet Nam, China good friends and partners in 2010 |date=28 January 2010 |work=Vietnamnet |access-date=7 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100203233032/http://english.vietnamnet.vn/politics/201001/Viet-Nam-China-good-friends-and-partners-in-2010-892217/ |archive-date=3 February 2010 }}
• {{Flagu|EU}} – Welcoming the peaceful conduct of Presidential polls in Sri Lanka, the European Union today promised all out support for bringing political reconciliation in the country ravaged by decades of ethnic conflict. Congratulating President Mahinda Rajapaksa for winning the 26 January polls, it "welcomed that the Presidential Elections in Sri Lanka, the first election of this kind for many years, took place in an overall peaceful environment.{{cite news|url=http://www.ptinews.com/news/495001_EU-says-Sri-Lanka-polls-held-in-peaceful-environment|title=EU says Sri Lanka polls held in peaceful environment|year=2010|work=Press Trust of India|access-date=7 February 2010|archive-date=5 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205144055/http://ptinews.com/news/495001_EU-says-Sri-Lanka-polls-held-in-peaceful-environment|url-status=live}}
• {{Flagu|Norway}} – Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim has congratulated President Mahinda Rajapakse on his re-election on 26 January. In his message Solheim stated that "I would like to congratulate President Rajapakse. Norway and Sri Lanka enjoy close and longstanding bilateral relations. We intend to continue our cooperation with the Government and people of Sri Lanka with a view to promoting lasting peace and development, We note that the election itself was relatively peaceful. However, we are concerned by reports of unrest and violent incidents during the lead-up to the election, as well as of possible violations of the election law. We urge that these allegations be investigated in accordance with Sri Lankan law and the country’s democratic traditions."{{cite news|url=http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/ud/press/News/2010/sri_lanka.html?id=592542|title=Solheim congratulates Sri Lanka's President on his re-election|date=29 January 2010|work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Norway)|access-date=7 February 2010|archive-date=10 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010204248/http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/ud/press/News/2010/sri_lanka.html?id=592542|url-status=live}}

{{Reflist|group=N}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

;Official websites

• [http://www.president.gov.lk/ Office of the President of Sri Lanka] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725214707/http://www.president.gov.lk/ |date=25 July 2011 }}
• [http://www.slelections.gov.lk/ Department of Elections] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127234212/http://www.slelections.gov.lk/ |date=27 January 2010 }}

;Election monitors

• [http://cmev.wordpress.com/ Centre for Monitoring Election Violence]
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20001109181400/http://www.srilankanelections.com/ Island Election Center]}}

;Media

• [http://www.rfi.fr/actuen/articles/120/article_6206.asp Twenty-two candidates for Lanka presidential election – Radio France Internationale in English]

;Election manifestos

• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20150724030720/http://www.srilankanelections.com/userfiles/file/mahinda_chintana_vision_for_the_future_eng.pdf "Mahinda's Vision II - Brighter Future" - Election manifesto of Mahinda Rajapaksa (English)]}}
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20141222104941/http://www.srilankanelections.com/userfiles/file/mahinda_chintana_vision_for_the_future_sin.pdf "Mahinda Chinthana II - Suba Anagathayak" - Election manifesto of Mahinda Rajapaksa (Sinhala)]}}
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100202173956/http://www.srilankanelections.com/userfiles/file/manifesto_sinhala.pdf "Vishvasaneeya Venasak" - Election manifesto of Sarath Fonseka (Sinhala)]}}
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100202173844/http://www.srilankanelections.com/userfiles/file/manifesto_english.pdf "Vishvasaneeya Venasak" - Election manifesto of Sarath Fonseka (English)]}}

{{Sri Lankan elections}}

{{Mahinda Rajapaksa}}

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka