Sri Lanka's new president elected

Sri Lankan MPs have elected prime minister Ranil Wickeremesinghe as the country's new president, despite his unpopularity with the public, Report informs, citing foreign media.

He faced a serious challenge from Dullus Alahapperuma, a dissident MP in the SLPP and former education minister who gained the backing of the main opposition.

He roundly defeated party rival Mr Alahapperuma, with 134 votes to 82 in the parliamentary vote on Wednesday.