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Wickremesinghe, a wily political survivor, elected Sri Lanka's president
"I thank parliament for this honour," the 73-year-old said after his victory was announced by the secretary-general of the legislature. He secured 134 votes in the 225-member house, while his main rival, ruling party lawmaker Dullas Alahapperuma, got 82.
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Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe addresses a media conference in Colombo February 16, 2018. (AFP/LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI )
R
anil Wickremesinghe, a lawyer who served as Sri Lanka's prime minister a record six times, has finally made it to the top job, securing the presidency after winning a parliamentary vote on Wednesday despite fierce public opposition to his candidacy.
"I thank parliament for this honour," the 73-year-old said after his victory was announced by the secretary-general of the legislature. He secured 134 votes in the 225-member house, while his main rival, ruling party lawmaker Dullas Alahapperuma, got 82.
Wickremesinghe's rise to power is remarkable. He has run unsuccessfully for president twice before but secured enough votes among lawmakers despite controlling just one seat - as leader of the United National Party (UNP).
His experience in senior government positions, and a reputation as a shrewd operator, should count in his favour as he seeks a way out of Sri Lanka's devastating economic crisis.
"Our country is facing massive challenges and we have to work on a new strategy to fulfill the aspirations of the people," he said after winning the vote in parliament. "Now, everyone must come together."
Wickremesinghe has also recently negotiated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and enjoys a working relationship with key donor countries including India.
Whether he can quell mass protests that led to the ouster of the previous president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, remains to be seen.
