Rajapaksa wins Prez poll; Fonseka wants foreign protection

Government,however,dismissed suggestions of any foul play against Fonseka,who quit as army chief late last year following differences with the President,with both claiming credit for eliminating the Tamil Tigers.

In a bitterly-fought contest after the two war heroes fell apart,64-year-old Rajapaksa secured 5.9 million votes or 58 per cent against Fonseka’s 4.1 million or 40 per cent in the total of 70 per cent votes cast.

“It is a resounding victory for the President,” the state-run Rupavahini channel said,although the Election Commission has not yet announced the result officially.

Presidential office sources said that “by all accounts,His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa has won the Presidential elections as one only needs over 50 per cent of the votes.”

Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said the troops had been deployed at the hotel,where Fonseka was staying,following information that suspected army deserters were among 400 people present inside.