Although the election results are still being counted, President Rajapaksa, drawing commendation from political leaders as well as from general public, has gracefully accepted his defeat from the projected results.

The outgoing President met the opposition leader Ranil Wickremasinghe early Friday morning at Temple Trees and assured him a smooth transition before leaving the premises. He has requested the opposition leader to make arrangements to transfer power peacefully.

The President has also telephoned the President - elect Sirisena and congratulated him on his  victory.

President Rajapaksa, who bid for a third term when he has two more years left in his second term, asked the ruling party MPs to cooperate with the new administration without creating conflicts.

He promised to support the new president's programs and said  he will still be the leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

Following the meeting with the MPs, the outgoing President also met with the staff of the Presidential Secretariat.

Meanwhile, the Common opposition candidate of the New Democratic Front Maithripala Sirisena has pledged not to take revenge or act with hatred towards his opposition before he left for Colombo from his electorate Polonnaruwa this morning.

He promised to safeguard the country, protect Buddhism and create a just and equal society with good governance.