Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa accepted defeat at the 2015 General Election, AFP reported a short while ago.

“We have won eight districts and the UNP (ruling United National Party) has 11 (out of a total of 22),” Rajapaksa told AFP. “This means we have lost. It was a difficult fight.”

He added that he will work as an opposition Member of Parliament.

According to results already released, the UNP has shown a marked increase in its vote share in a number of districts. Meanwhile the ITAK won all seats in Jaffna District.

However, UPFA managed to win all seats in Rajapaksa's home district of Hambantota, albeit with a reduced majority.