Sri Lankan president exits, will not stand for reelection

Colombo - End of Sirisena's presidency is marked by unfulfilled expectations of good governance, ethnic harmony and economic progress.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has decided not to seek reelection next month after failing to fulfill many of the promises of his first term.
A record 35 candidates filed nominations Monday for the Nov. 16 election, with former defense chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa considered the favorite.
Sirisena, who would have had difficulty beating Gotabaya Rajapaksa, did not pay a deposit by a Sunday deadline, making him ineligible to file a nomination.
The end of Sirisena's presidency is marked by unfulfilled expectations of good governance, ethnic harmony and economic progress.
He told a recent public meeting that his focus is not on the presidency, but on being a force in a powerful government.