DHAKA: Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday conceded defeat in Sri Lanka’s presidential election.

The counting of votes, however, so far showed looks set to be won by opposition challenger Mithripala Sirisena, reports The Guardian.

“The president conceded defeat at a meeting with opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe,” said an official at their president’s office, the report added.

Mentioing Rajapaksa had already left his official residence, the official, moreover, added that the new president will be sworn in this evening.

BDST: 0751 HRS, JAN 09, 2015