NPP MP Vijitha Herath has confirmed that Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) leads the first round of the presidential election by an impressive 1.3 million votes. This commanding margin secures an unassailable advantage as the second count approaches.

Following the announcement, AKD is expected to take his oath of office in a modest ceremony at the Presidential Secretariat. NPP spokesperson Samantha Vidyarathne said that the newly elected president will quickly appoint a Secretary to the President and 15 ministry secretaries as part of his initial administrative steps.