This is the first time in Sri Lanka that a political party leader has won at a general election while still being in custody, said Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) member and Gampaha district Democratic National Alliance (DNA) candidate Vijitha Herath.

The DNA began facing obstructions and intimidation from the day it started its campaign but they were able to overcome those, Mr. Herath said while addressing the media at a briefing held at the DNA political office at Rajakeeya Mawatha (Reid Avenue) in Colombo this morning.

This election was not free and fair. Voter turnout was a record low and this does not augur well for democracy and the future of the country, Vijitha Herath who has successfully obtained a seat in parliament from the Gampaha district said.

Though still being detained, Gen. Sarath Fonseka will address the inaugural session of parliament as the leader of the DNA, Mr. Herath pledged.

General (retired) Sarath Fonseka’s wife Anoma, addressing the same media briefing said that she had conveyed the DNA success at the polls to her husband.

“He is genuinely pleased with the outcome. He regrets that he cannot thank the voters and be with them at this moment of victory. But he hopes to do so in the near future,” Mrs. Fonseka added.

“Though he has been kept in custody, nobody has been able to silence his voice,” added Anoma Fonseka.