Sirisena takes oath as president, Ranil is PM

Maithripala Sirisena was sworn in as Sri Lanka's new president Friday evening, hours after defeating Mahinda Rajapaksa in the presidential election.

Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe took oath as the prime minister, reports Xinhua.

"I extend special thanks to President Rajapaksa who allowed me to be appointed the next president and assured a peaceful transition of power," Sirisena said.

"To all those who did or did not support me, I hereby request them not to instigate any violence. The honour of this victory is in maintaining peace," he said. - IANS