UNP victorious as Rajapaksa's hopes to return to power rebuffed in Sri Lanka elections

Sri Lanka's ruling United National Party has won the most seats in the island's parliamentary elections, blocking former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's attempt to return to power. The UNP doubled its number of seats in parliament to 106, while Mr Rajapaksa's United People Freedom Alliance took 95. The result gives the UNP enough seats to form a coalition with its allies. Turnout in Monday's polls was high, in what was widely seen as a referendum on Mr Rajapaksa. Mr Rajapaksa won his seat as MP - but the results mean he will be staying on the opposition benches.