In pictures: Sri Lanka president wins election

Supporters of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa watch television

Mahinda Rajapaksa has been declared the winner of Sri Lanka's first presidential election since Tamil Tiger rebels were defeated after 25 years of civil war.

Sri Lankan men read newspapers in Colombo on January 27, 2010

With all votes counted, the election commission gave Mr Rajapaksa some six million votes (57%) compared to four million (40%) for his rival, Gen Sarath Fonseka. The general plans to challenge the result.

Mahinda Rajapaksa's supporters celebrate

A presidential spokesman said Mr Rajapaksa was "very pleased". His supporters have been celebrating.

Sri Lankan presidential candidate of the common opposition Gen. Sarath Fonseka speaks on a mobile phone on the day of voting in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010.

Gen Fonseka, seen here on voting day, says the result was rigged and alleges the government wants to kill him.

Sri Lankan soldiers patrol the streets outside the Cinnamon Lakeside hotel in Colombo on January 27, 2010

About 100 armed troops have surrounded the Colombo hotel where Gen Fonseka is staying.

A Sri Lankan soldier guards the surroundings of a hotel where opposition presidential candidate Gen Sarath Fonseka is staying

A government spokesman said they did not intend to hold Gen Fonseka but were looking for army deserters. The troop presence has created a very tense atmosphere, correspondents say.

Sri Lankan ethnic Tamil women walk past a Sri Lankan Special Task Force soldier in Vavuniya town

There were a number of bomb attacks on election day, including in the Vavuniya area, near camps for people displaced by the war. Election monitors said it was a systematic attempt to scare Tamil voters away.