Colombo (AFP) - Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse has conceded defeat in his re-election bid and promised to clear the way for a smooth transition, his press secretary Vijayananda Herath told AFP Friday.
"The president met with former prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe this morning. The president concedes defeat and will ensure a smooth transition of power bowing to the wishes of the people," Herath said.