Colombo: Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Lanka's President-elect, was a low-profile cabinet colleague of longtime president Mahinda Rajapaksa until he switched sides to become joint opposition candidate and emerge as the proverbial dark horse in the presidential polls.  

The 63-year-old farmer-turned-politician deserted the incumbent President to take charge of the fractured opposition ahead of the polls with a promise to “end the Rajapaksa family rule” and romped home victorious.

With his peasant background, Sirisena appealed to the rural electorate while his main backer, the United National Party (UNP), enjoyed popularity in urban areas.  

Hailing from the rural north central province, Sirisena does not speak English, is ever seen in the national dress.  He has no background of hobnobbing with the Colombo elite and socialites.