COLOMBO - Anura Kumara Dissanayake was sworn in as the ninth executive president of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat on Monday morning.

Speaking in his inaugural address, he said his administration will face many challenges and his main task is to create a new political culture.

Dissanayake said he will work with experts and make optimum decisions for the country.

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He added that the country needs good relationships with all foreign countries, and he is committed to building great relationships with all.

Dinesh Gunawardena resigned as prime minister earlier and extended his congratulations to Dissanayake on his election as president of the country.

Dissanayake obtained 5,634,915 votes in the first count and 105,264 preferential votes during the second count.

His main opponent, candidate of opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Sajith Premadasa, obtained 4,363,035 votes in the first count and 167,867 preferential votes in the second count.

In a post on social media platform "X" (formerly Twitter) after the release of election results, Dissanayake said, "The millions of eyes filled with hope and expectation push us forward, and together, we stand ready to rewrite Sri Lankan history."

"This dream can only be realized with a fresh start. The unity of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, and all Sri Lankans is the bedrock of this new beginning. The New Renaissance we seek will rise from this shared strength and vision," he posted.

Former president Ranil Wickremesinghe failed with a total of 2,299,767 votes.

In a special address after the results came out, Wickremesinghe said that the people of the country have made their decision at this presidential election.

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"I was eventually able to carry the dear child called Sri Lanka along a long distance safely on the dangerous rope bridge. Close to the very end of the rope bridge, people have decided to hand over the dear child called Sri Lanka to President Anura Dissanayake," he said.

"I wish that you will be able to carry this child away from the bridge to the other bank, even safer than the way I carried the child," said Wickremesinghe.