Hirunika Premachandra who received the highest number of preferential votes in the Colombo District speculated that she received even more votes than her murdered father did due to the sympathy of the voters.

Speaking to TV Derana on the 360 programme, Hirunika expanded on her point claiming that the voters had voted with the notion that she was the fatherless daughter, which had in turn contributed to her victory.

When asked if she expects to receive sympathy votes in future elections as well, she replied that she did not expect that to happen adding that the public would make the right decision based on the work that she does for them.

She stated that she will work to the best of her abilities to help the people and will not betray the trust the public has shown in her.

Speaking further on the programme, she stated that the UPFA had fallen behind in the Colombo District possibly due to its policies concerning shanty dwellers.

She explained that even though the government policies on this issue were long-term plans that would help the development of the country, because it is a sensitive issue at the moment, the government would not have received the votes from those people.

Hirunika also spoke about the burden of the cost of living that the people have had to deal with claiming that a similar situation prevailed around the world adding that she will work tirelessly in addressing this issue.

She blamed the inefficiencies and corruption among bureaucrats for this situation, warning that if this issue is not addressed soon the situation would become regrettable.